I think it’s fascinating how a player can bluff. It’s always nice to watch when a player manages to win with the worst hand

InsideEdge: It’s been a season of struggles so far for Middlesbrough. Do you still have an eye on climbing back up the league towards the European places?

Szilard Nemeth: The quality behind the top couple of teams is very similar. Third and fourth positions are realistic targets for several clubs, with the chance to play in the Champions League. Our aim is to still finish higher than we did last season, so we’re looking at sixth or better.

IE: But you’re in a relegation dogfight, surely? So if not Boro, who’s going down from the teams sitting around you in the table?

SN:: I think Sunderland will find it very difficult to stay up. The other two positions aren’t so easy to predict. Both the other promoted teams, Wigan and West Ham, have made very good starts and I think they’ll stay up.

IE: Every season sees a bunch of new foreign imports in the Premiership, but who do you think are the best new players?

SN: Michael Essien at Chelsea, Fabio Rochemback at Middlesbrough and Emre at Newcastle. All of those guys are quality players. I played for Slovakia against Emre when he was representing Turkey. I watched his career with Inter Milan and have always believed he is a great player.

IE: Do you think it’s a foregone conclusion that Chelsea will win the league?

SN: Yes, I think it is. They made an excellent start and I think they will win the league easily. They have a big squad full of talented players. John Terry is a great defender and Arjen Robben is also very talented.

IE: Of all the Premiership’s current star performers, who’s the player you most admire and why?

SN: Thierry Henry. His goals record is terrific, and he is quick and good on the ball: he has everything a striker needs.

IE: As an Eastern European, you’re probably more a casino man than a poker player, or have you developed a taste for flops and rivers?

SN: I’m a casino-goer. I’ve never played poker, but I know the rules and have watched a few games. I visit a casino maybe once every three months – in this country, rather than in Slovakia.

IE: Do you think poker is something you could get into? And what’s the best bit about watching?

SN: I think it’s fascinating how a player can bluff. It’s always nice to watch when a player manages to win with the worst hand.

IE: What’s the best bet you’ve ever had?

SN: It wasn’t my biggest win, but my best bet was for Mike Weir to win a golf tournament. I got odds of 40/1.

IE: Here’s the big question that’s dividing opinion in pubs up and down the country: can England win the World Cup?

SN: It’s not an easy tournament to win, but England have a squad full of good players. They can beat anyone on their day and have the potential to do very well.