ALTRUISM seems to be a foreign concept in the modern game of football so it was somewhat refreshing to hear Lee Cattermole putting his team and teammates ahead of his own personal interests and ambitions prior to this weekend's derby with Newcastle.

Cattermole was asked to play on the right side of midfield at Fulham last weekend - a position he vehemently detests. But instead of moaning that he had to play in a foreign position, he just got on with the job and, was richly rewarded for his endeavours by netting the match-winner in a 2-1 triumph.

The modest Boro midfielder says his fourth goal for his home-town club does not gloss over the fact he had a poor game, but believes his below-par performance was partly due to being played out of position.

Yet the Stockton born teenager did admit that he is ready to sacrifice his own game for the good of the team.

"I don't really enjoy it to be honest but I'd rather be playing there than sat on the bench, because I want to play football," said Cattermole who has never been on a losing side when he's scored for Boro.

"I find it difficult because it is something I've never done until I played against Everton or Newcastle at home (last season). I've never even played there in the reserves.

"I got a run there and I found out a bit more about the position but the gaffer thinks I can do a job there so I have to do it."

He added: "I spoke to the gaffer at the end of last season and I told him that I want to play in the centre of midfield because I didn't think I was doing myself any justice on the right.

"I'm not the fastest or the most skillful player so you're going to struggle if you don't have those attributes.

"I think I'm a better player in the centre and that is where I want to play.

"But I'll just have to wait and bide my time to cement my place."

Cattermole prepared for Sunday's Tees-Tyne derby confident they can add another three points to the three already won at Fulham last week.

But it looks as if he will have to do it without new team mate, Mido, who is struggling to be fit in time.

The £6m signing picked up an ankle injury during his goalscoring debut at Craven Cottage and is rated at 50-50 for the game.

The Egypt international will be a massive loss to the Teessiders if he fails to recover in time, what with Yakubu making his £11.25 switch to Everton.

Cattermole hailed Mido's influence since his arrival on Teesside and predicted the former Spurs striker to be a big fans' favourite.

He said: "I couldn't believe how good his attitude was to be honest.

"I think the strikers we have had in the past haven't been the most mobile and energetic.

"And I thought Mido would've been the same being a target man - but he puts a shift in. "This sends the right message out to the rest of the lads.

"Before the game at Fulham we had a huddle and Mido pulled everyone in as if he was the captain and started shouting at us. And this was his first game - he'd only been with us since Thursday.

"He was keen to make an impression and I hope his attitude stays like that throughout the season.

"If it does I'm sure he will be a big player for us."