MIDDLESBROUGH have been told to underestimate Banik Ostrava at their peril as the Czech Republic champions prepare to welcome the Teessiders to the hostile surroundings of the Bazaly Stadium.

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek, who started his career at Banik in the early 1990s, knows all about the atmosphere Boro will have to cope with tonight.

Middlesbrough hold a strong upperhand in the UEFA Cup first round tie, having cruised to a three goal lead in the first leg a fortnight ago.

But Banik have an impressive record on home soil and have won their last four matches - including a 2-1 success over top German side Bayer Leverkusen in a Champions League qualifier.

In fact Middlesbrough are the only team to have beaten Frantisek Komnacky's side in eight games and Srnicek believes the visitors will have to beware of a comeback.

The 36-year-old, now playing with Biera Mar in Portugal, said: "It will be difficult when Middlesbrough go over to Ostrava. They will be made welcome by some but not so welcome by others.

"There are a group of Banik fans who have a bad reputation and they do not like away supporters - I suppose that's like most teams though. They can make it intimidating for away teams.

"When rivals Sparta Prague go there it is not a nice atmosphere to be involved in.

"But Banik will be fired up for a game in front of their home supporters. They hate losing, particularly after their success of recent years, and they will be looking to get back into the tie."

And Srnicek, who had two spells with his hometown club either side of being at St James' Park, explained why Banik are so determined to make progress at Middlesbrough's expense.

"The defeat to Leverkusen (6-2 on aggregate) in the Champions League hurt a lot of people in that town," said Srnicek. "After the glory of winning the Czech League last year Banik wanted so much to do well in the Champions League.

"It was the first time they had a chance of playing in it and when they got knocked out they focused on the UEFA Cup. They desperately want to get to the group stage at least of that competition

"If they don't get past Middlesbrough, who were one of the toughest draws they could have got at this stage, then the fans will not be happy at all."