Cats to meet a skipper in form

GRANT Leadbitter will no doubt experience a few poignant moments if he is called to take a penalty against Sunderland this afternoon.

The Boro skipper spent six successful years with the Black Cats at the start of his career and will retain strong feelings for the club.

However Grant is a true professional who knows the importance of getting a job done. His number of appearances for the Boro has comfortably topped 200 in all competitions, which eclipses his total games with Sunderland and Ipswich.

Throughout his time on Teesside he has been thoroughly committed to the club and has been a big inspiration for the platers around him.

It is his total commitment both on and off the field which has helped him to regain his regular place in the Boro line-up.

Early in the season Leadbitter tended to be overlooked as Garry Monk worked to establish his best line-up. There was a feeling that Grant might have to settle for a role on the bench

But Leadbitter stuck to his guns and has arguably been Boro’s best player over the past few games.

In this respect Sunderland can expect to meet a man in form this afternoon. Certainly Leadbitter is going to be an influential figure in the Boro midfield.

He has also been on the goals trail lately, netting a penalty in each of Boro’s recent away wins at Reading and Hull City.

This takes Leadbitter’s spot kick tally at Boro to 16 successful spot kicks in 19 attempts.

Certainly the Sunderland defenders should be wary this afternoon when making tackles inside the penalty area.