IN-FORM Noel Whelan believes Middlesbrough can now secure their Premiership future after progressing through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Boro's 3-0 victory on Sunday over Everton has set-up a last-four clash with either Arsenal or North-East neighbours Newcastle United on April 14.

And after the weekend's success Whelan insists Steve McClaren's men will be able to maintain the momentum to preserve their place in the top-flight.

The 27-year-old, signed for £2.2m from Coventry City in August 2000, was part of the Sky Blues side that achieved safety on the last day of the season in 1997 with a 2-1 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

But Whelan is confident he will not have to go through the same final day ordeal this time.

"It has always been calm here even when we were in the bottom three," he said. "I remember people saying then we were in trouble but it was always going to change.

"I have been in worse situations than that at Coventry and this is nothing compared to that, and what we went through there.

"We didn't even have the players at Coventry and we had to go to Tottenham and win on the last day and then hope the other results went for us. That's real trouble and I'll never forget the unbelievable relief after we did it.

"We have the players here at Boro and we are hardworking for ourselves and everyone on the pitch and in the crowd."

Boro, who are just six points above the relegation zone, face a tricky couple of weeks. On Saturday they entertain third placed Liverpool and seven days later the Riverside outfit travel to League leaders Manchester United.

Whelan admits that, despite their Cup form, the priority remains ensuring they are playing Premiership football next season.

But the forward, currently playing left-midfield, also revealed they still have their eyes on a finish in the top half of the table.

He said: "We are looking at a top ten place and it's in our sights."

Whelan's goal against Everton was his seventh of the season - making him the club's joint top-scorer with Alen Boksic.

And the former England under-21 international has been pleased with his form since returning to the side against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

"The Everton game was a bit dull until the first goal went in with people cancelling each other out," said Whelan.

"It was a bit lucky but as a striker - or a winger - you take them. I am enjoying it and I feel I can score from out wide, so it is not a problem playing out on the wing."

And the Leeds-born attacker admits the 26,950 fans who turned up on Sunday helped Boro overcome Everton at the quarter-final stage.

He said: "It has been printed and said in the club programmes what it means to be the first team to win that first trophy for the club.

"And of course we are aware of it but no one is getting hyped up in the dressing room.

"It wasn't a full house at the Riverside but the ones who came out got right behind us, which was good - I don't know if they realise the big part they play in getting us results."

Meanwhile, Boro boss McClaren has been linked with South African left winger Quinton Fortune, who has signalled his intentions to leave Manchester United.

McClaren swooped to sign Jonathan Greening and Mark Wilson last summer from his old employers, and he also tried to sign striker Dwight Yorke.

* Hull City do not want Boro striker Dean Windass as their new manager, the club's chairman has revealed. Tigers' supremo Adam Pearson said: "You can absolutely categorically rule Dean Windass out of the running."

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