GOALKEEPER Mark Schwarzer insists Middlesbrough are better equipped to escape relegation than they were in their ill-fated campaign four years ago.

Boro's survival bid then was undermined by the deduction of three points and the distraction of Coca-Cola and FA Cup finals.

The disruptive influence of Italian striker Fabrizio Ravanelli and disappearing acts of Brazilian midfielder Emerson, also had a damaging effect on team spirit.

Schwarzer, who joined Boro from Bradford in February of that season but missed the climax because of a broken leg, is confident top-flight status can be secured this time.

Following Saturday's depressing goalless home encounter with Charlton, fourth-bottom Boro are two points clear of Manchester City, but four adrift of Everton.

Schwarzer, however, said: "The circumstances now are different to four years ago. We're in a far better position at this stage than we were then - we're not bottom.

"We're also playing better. We were conceding more goals then. We're definitely trying to pull in the same direction. There's a lot more team morale and solidarity this time.

"I think it's almost impossible to compare the two sides. As a team, I think this is a better side. Four years ago, we probably had better individuals - but individuals get you relegated.

"When you're bottom, you're scrapping for every point. If we'd got a point last week instead of losing here to Southampton, there would now have been a three-point gap between ourselves and Man. City. With a better goal difference, that would have effectively been four points.''

Schwarzer, one of several players barracked by the fans, believes the boo boys should lay off while Boro battle for their Premiership lives.

"It only takes a bad ball or a missed tackle to start the crowd off and it can happen after only two minutes,'' said Schwarzer.

"It doesn't make it any easier when they react like that. I'm not making excuses; the players looked nervous and we weren't confident on the ball.

"But distractions from off the pitch don't help. The crowd are frustrated and that's understandable; we're frustrated too. No-one likes playing the way we were early on against Charlton.''

Boro head coach Terry Venables, who inspired an unbeaten 12-match run when he took first-team control from under-fire manager Bryan Robson, is due to leave at the end of the season.

Boro have now gone eight games without a win and the tension on Teesside is mounting. "The word relegation has been mentioned,'' admitted Schwarzer.

"You have to be honest because it can become a harsh reality if we're not careful. I don't know the exact circumstances at the club. All we have to do is keep going and be realistic.''

New England cap Chris Powell is backing Boro to beat the drop.

The Charlton left-back, who made his England debut against Spain last Wednesday, said: "After all that has happened to me in the last week, I really had to prepare mentally for this match.

"It was a difficult game. Middlesbrough are having a hard time and they're really desperate for points.

"The crowd were willing them to win and when time ticks away in a game and there are no goals, everyone gets a bit restless and edgy.

"The expectations of the fans here are greater than those at Charlton, because of the amount of money Middlesbrough have spent.

"It's getting a bit tight at the bottom, but with Mr Venables and Bryan Robson here, hopefully they can pull together and stay up. I think they will - just.''

Meanwhile, Venables revealed that Boro's £1m move for Bradford's Dean Windass has yet to go through.

And Boro are unhappy they weren't informed of Windass' suspension. "It's not certain yet that he'll come,'' said Venables. "I don't think there's a big problem, but the deal's not done.

"We weren't given any information that he was suspended, which didn't thrill us too much.'