Middlesbrough heroes make it '˜surreal' for Hartlepool United winger

Nathan Thomas on the attack against Notts County: Picture by FRANK REID

Thomas is loving his football at Pools, the 21-year-old picking up his first man of the match award in midweek.

The winger, who began his career as a youngster at Sunderland, is from Middlesbrough and admits he is ‘Boro-daft’ having supported his hometown club since childhood.

He says it is strange now having Hignett as his manager and defender Matthew Bates “shouting” at him from the back.

“I watched Higgy 15 years ago when I was in row five behind the goal at the Riverside,” said Thomas, who was in the Pools squad for today’s vital League Two trip to Luton Town.

“I’ve been a Boro fan as long as I can remember so it is a bit surreal now having Higgy as my gaffer!

“ It is the same with Batesy.

“I was watching him the UEFA Cup in 2006 – now I am playing in the same team as him.

“I followed Boro up and down the country and all over Europe and now he is shouting at me!”