The tough-tackling Pogatetz will be a key player for Austria this summer, as long as he avoids another falling-out with coach Josef Hickersberger.

The Middlesbrough defender was banned from playing for his country after he criticised Hickersberger following poor results against Costa Rica and Venezuela back in September 2006.

But after a 14th-month exile, Pogatetz has since returned to the Austrian fold and his impressive performances at the back for Boro will no doubt give the co-hosts confidence they'll be hard to breach.

The 25-year-old is a firm crowd favourite at the Riverside due to his hardman image and tenacious approach to the game, while his nickname of 'Mad Dog' comes from his reputation for having a hair-trigger temperament.

Pogatetz feels he's shaken off the tag having picked up far less bookings than usual this season, which has also seen him handed the captain's armband at the Riverside - underlining the trust manager Gareth Southgate places in him.