Country: Austria Caps (Goals): 26(1) DOB: 16/01/83 Club: Middlesbrough, England Position: Central Defender Shirt number: 4 'Mad Pog' Any player who plans on taking on Emanuel Pogatetz should be ready to face the consequences. The 25-year-old defender is affectionately dubbed "Mad Pog" by Boro fans for his aggressive style of play, commitment and notorious 'nutcase/tough guy' image. Pogatetz's forceful nature cost him six months on the sidelines while on loan at Spartak Moscow. Pogatetz tackled Yaroslav Kharitonskiy, leaving the playerwith a double leg fracture and was banned by the Russian Football Federation. Fans will be banking on Pogatetz to keep Austria's goal safe throughout the campaign. International Career Pogatetz could have blown his EURO 2008 chances after walking out on the team in September 2006 and publicly criticizing coach Hickersberger. His steady form with Middlesbrough and reconciliation talks with Hickersberger led to a recall in November. Since making his international debut in 2002, Pogatetz made 26 appearances for Austria, scoring only once. Club Career Pogatetz began his professional career FC Karnten in 2000, with whom he won the Austrian Cup in the same season. His form soon caught the attention of Bayern Leverkusen officials who signed him ahead of the 2001-2002 season. But after one season with the reserve team he was loaned to FC Aarau for a season before moving back home to play for his home-side, Grazer AK. With Grazer, Pogatetz won the Austrian League and Cup double in 2004 and then moved to Russia to join Spartak Moscow on loan. Pogatetz joined Middlesbrough in 2005 and became a fixture ever since. He even captained Boro in the 2007-2008 season. Qualities Pogatetz is a natural left back who is equally comfortable playing in the center of defense. He is strong and combative, and while he is not the best technical player, he plays with all his heart and impresses doing so. Former Boro and England coach Steve McLaren said of Pogatetz: "He never, ever, gives less than 300% in performance".
