Centre-back Wheater, who headed the only goal of the game in the 27th minute, is one of the latest players to come off the conveyor belt of talent that England assistant coach McClaren is overseeing as manager at the Riverside Stadium.

Bate, delighted to begin his stint as Under-18 Head Coach with a win in Wednesday's match at Hartlepool United, said:

"Middlesbrough have produced a lot of players in recent years. We've had Stewart Downing, James Morrison and Stuart Parnaby in the Under-19 squad, and there was also Jamie Cade, who is now at Colchester.

"It's great to see a club like Middlesbrough promoting their players and giving them exposure.

"David Wheater did well. He used the ball well, was quick when he needed to be, and played well alongside Newcastle's Paul Huntington.

"It's the first time Paul has played for England. Normally you would give someone like him a half or 20 minutes, but he came in and settled very quickly. He was strong and played very well.''

Bate added: "We could have played better as a team. We missed a few chances, but we were very comfortable at the back.

"It's my first game in charge and it's the first time I've been with this group of players, and the first time they've been together as a group. They seemed to hit it off quite well. The game was a good experience for us all round.

"We can take some positive things from it, because it's a clean sheet and a victory, so it's a great start for us all.

"The people at Hartlepool looked after us very well. The playing surface is immaculate and it's a credit to the club.''