TERRY VENABLES has told Middlesbrough to "forget it's a derby'' when they face Sunderland in Monday's Tees-Wear showdown.
Head coach Venables wants Boro to ignore the passion of the occasion at the Riverside and focus on Premiership survival.
Fourth-bottom Boro desperately need a win, while Peter Reid's Sunderland are looking to revive their push for Europe after the disappointing 2-0 home defeat by Leeds United a week ago.
Venables said: "The derby occasion is on the periphery. We know what sort of atmosphere there will be, but the main thing is the people on the field.
"Everyone is aware of what the game is, but I think the players are forgetting it's a derby.
"The concentration on the job in hand is hotting up as each game ticks away.''
Tomorrow's FA Cup semi-final clash between Arsenal and Tottenham at Old Trafford has evoked North London derby memories for Venables.
Glenn Hoddle officially takes charge of Spurs for the first time following his troubled departure from Southampton.
Hoddle kept a watching brief at Highbury a week ago when Spurs went down 2-0 to the Gunners in a Premiership dress-rehearsal.
Former Spurs boss Venables recalled: "When I first went to White Hart Lane, we bought Paul Stewart and Paul Gascoigne.
"They weren't in the best of shape when they joined us and we played Arsenal in a four-cornered tournament, and they slaughtered us 5-0.
"Then there was the famous semi-final ten years ago when Gazza scored that great free-kick and we beat Arsenal at Wembley before going on to win the Cup.
"That was one of the most pleasing memories of the derby games against them.
"I think you would say Arsenal are favourites this time because they beat Spurs last weekend.
"But it's a semi-final, so form doesn't count for anything.''
Meanwhile, anxious Premier League officials investigating Christian Ziege's controversial move from Boro to Liverpool are still waiting to speak to the German star.
Lawyers acting for the Premier League had hoped to meet Ziege this week before he flew off on UEFA Cup semi-final duty in Barcelona.
Ziege is in turmoil after failing to secure a regular first-team place at Anfield.
He has even made discreet enquiries with at least one former Boro teammate about the possibility of a return to the Riverside.
The suggestion was met with contempt by a high-ranking Boro source this week on the day Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier told Ziege to "shut up'' in response to an outburst over his recent demotion to the reserves.
Boro are growing impatient with the Premier League after demanding an inquiry into Ziege's £5.5m transfer last August.
The Teessiders have been waiting seven months for a verdict on their claim that Ziege was "tapped'' by a third party.
They are seeking £2.5m in compensation from Liverpool for a player whose market value they believe was £8m.
Both Boro and Liverpool have given their side of the story, but Ziege has so far proved elusive.
A Premier League spokesman said yesterday: "The situation is we are still waiting to speak to Christian Ziege because he was on holiday for two weeks before going away with Liverpool.
"Now he is back, our lawyers and other interested parties are seeking a meeting with him.''
Angry Boro chairman Steve Gibson has threatened to take the matter to court if the Premier League decide there is no case to answer.
Read more about the Boro here.
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