Coveted Wheater pledges loyalty to Boro.

DAVID Wheater is ready to snub Premier League interest from the likes of Sunderland and Aston Villa to help Middlesbrough make an instant return to the top flight, writes MARK DOUGLAS.

The Redcar-born defender has adapted quickly to life in the Championship, forming a partnership with Robert Huth that is yet to be breached during Boro's unbeaten start to the season.

It is the kind of form that is bound to catch the attention of the clutch of Premier League bosses' that are monitoring his progress. Martin O'Neill, whose Villa side are faltering and desperate to recruit defensive reinforcements, would be interested in taking him before the transfer window slams shut in a fortnight.

And The Journal understands that he is on Steve Bruce's hit-list, with the Sunderland boss having instructed his scouts to keep a close eye on the 22-year-old over the next four months with a view to a possible bid in January.

But Wheater is set to disappoint all of his high-profile suitors by staying at the Riverside for at least three more years - provided Boro don't cash in on him. "I never asked to leave. If the club accepted an offer, it would be different. But I am here and just want to get Boro back in the Premier League," he said.

"I am only young, time is on my side and I do not think I am ready to move. I have only had two seasons in the first team. I want another three, four or even five years before I even think about leaving. It never crossed my mind to leave after relegation. I really do love it here. I just can not picture myself playing for anyone else, to be honest."

With two wins a draw to their name, Boro's transition into life in the Championship appears to have been seamless. They meet Doncaster Rovers at the Riverside this afternoon but they already appear to have vaulted the mental hurdle of travelling to some of the division's lesser lights - as evidenced by their comfortable victory at Scunthorpe's compact Glanford Park ground in midweek.

"Of course, the grounds are smaller but the fans were amazing the other day at Scunthorpe, I could not believe it, we had two sides there and the fans sang all the way through. They are making it very good for us at the moment so we just have to keep winning," said Wheater.

"When you arrive at some of these grounds and the lads look around the dressing room, some of their faces are a picture. But I have been to a lot of them during my time with Doncaster and Darlington so I know about them. It is the first time for a lot of the lads. They are tiny but they will get used to it and you always have to treat these clubs with respect. After all, they are only one league off the Premier League and a lot of the teams have played there.

"You can enjoy it in this league. The manager has told us he had one season in it with Palace and it was the best year of his life because they were winning all the time. We just have to make sure we keep wining games and win promotion and there won't be a better feeling than that."

CAPTION(S):

HAPPY TO STAY David Wheater wants to stay at Middlesbrough despite interest from Premier League clubs.