Land of opportunity beckons for Hines

SEB HINES

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SEB HINES, Athletic’s new loan signing, could be at the centre of an international tug-of-war one day.

The 20-year-old defender has played for England at youth level yet, with an American father, he is also qualified to represent the United States.

He said: “I would consider it if the US asked me to play but, until that happens, I cannot say what I would do,” he explained.

Hines has swapped the reserves at Middlesbrough for the chance to feature in Athletic’s push from Coca-Cola League One.

He is relishing the next month at Boundary Park, adding: “It is a great opportunity to play first-team football and even better that we are challenging for promotion.”

Hines was able to do his homework on his new club before his arrival as the move had been in the offing for several weeks.

“I watched the televised game against Leicester City,” he said. “I was impressed by Oldham and the way they passed the ball.”

He sees the temporary move as an important part of his learning curve, and it is a measure of how highly Boro rate him as he has just signed a new long-term contract.

Hines, who has played in half-a-dozen Premier League games, will be remaining at the Riverside Stadium until at least June 2011.

The arrival of Hines is regarded as a coup for Athletic.

Manager John Sheridan admitted he had been tracking the player for some time.

Hines could have played more first-team football for Boro but for injury. He had a spell out last season after breaking a bone behind his knee and also damaged a cartilage in the same joint.

He said: “In fairness the gaffer (Gareth Southgate) gives opportunities to young players but, unfortunately, mine have been halted through injuries.”

Hines offers Athletic plenty of variety as he can play in any position in defence.

He explained: “I made my first-team debut at left-back, played my next game at right-back and have also played as a centre-back.”

As debuts go, Hines’ was pretty special as he scored the opening goal in Boro’s 4-3 win over Hull City in a third-round FA Cup replay in January 2007.

A Leeds United fan, he was raised in Wetherby and was picked up by Boro at the age of 15.

He featured alongside David Wheater, Matthew Bates, James Morrison, Lee Cattermole, Jonathan Grounds, Adam Johnson and Andrew Taylor in Boro’s FA Youth Cup winning team of 2004. They defeated Aston Villa in the final.

International honours have also come thick and fast for the youngster, who has played for England at under-16s, 17s and 19s level.

He said: “It doesn’t get any better than representing your country and my debut for the under-16s was televised. That made it even more special.”