Watch out for old mate Merson, Boro warned

Boro go into the game looking to extend their unbeaten run to 12 games, and hoping to bounce back after a disappointing goalless draw against Wimbledon in the FA Cup on Tuesday.

Merson has been the main star of an up-and-down season for the Midlanders, and Venables was quick to point out that even at 32, he is still a top Premiership performer.

Venables, who selected the former Boro star for England while in charge of the national team, said he believed he would be at the forefront of Sven-Goran Eriksson's plans for his first England squad.

"He was in one or two of my England squads and he is still a very good player," said Venables.

"If anything he seems to be getting better, and his fitness levels have improved.

"He is a clever footballer and we've discussed his threat tomorrow, and we'll be talking about him again before the game

"He is still a tremendous footballer, and his age shouldn't be a barrier to his international chances. I'm sure he'll be one of those players that Sven-Goran Eriksson will be looking at."

Venables also backed Ugo Ehiogu's claims for an international recall, with the former Villa man's form one of the reasons behind Boro's revival.

Venables said: "He'll be up for the challenge tomorrow. He spent a long time there (at Villa) and he'll be hoping to have a good game.

"I brought him into the England set-up and I thought he would have had more caps since the time I left.

"He's a good defender and has a keen interest in the game. I wouldn't be surprised if he was involved."

Boro will be hoping they hit Villa on an off day, and another clean sheet to add to Venables' growing number of shut-outs -- now at seven out of 11 starts - would be welcomed.

''We have achieved seven clean sheets in our unbeaten run. I would be happier if it became eight," he said.

''Aston Villa will be determined for a good result. They are capable of getting a good result and we have a tough job on our hands.

"It is not a fairy story, it is very real and we have thrashed that to death with the players.

"Wimbledon is forgotten for now and we'll pick that up again next week.

"Villa reached the FA Cup final last year and they are a successful side in my book."

Venables admitted concern at the chances missed in games against Wimbledon and Manchester City, but said he'd be more worried if the team weren't creating opportunities.

"We have had chances. We scored two against Everton and created a lot of chances against Man City and Wimbledon.

"We have done all right so far and the team has been playing with a lot of confidence."

l Aston Villa striker Julian Joachim is aiming to kick-start his season back into top gear and lose his super-sub tag in today's game.

Joachim is set to earn a recall to the starting line-up for the first time since breaking his toe nearly three months ago at the expense of the suspended Darius Vassell.

He has made an instant impact since returning to fitness, scoring as a substitute against Leicester City in the FA Cup and Bradford City in the Premiership.

It means that all five goals Joachim has scored this season have come when entering the action from the bench.

He is keen to start scoring when in manager John Gregory's starting line-up and, although still on the transfer list after his pre-season contract bust-up with Gregory, is likely to get the nod to partner Juan Pablo Angel ahead of Dion Dublin, who is also fit after a calf injury.

Joachim said: ''I knew the question about scoring from the bench was coming! I don't think the lads have picked up on it yet otherwise I would have got some stick.

''It was something I was aware of and you can get that name of being a super-sub. But I'd like to score when I start a game and I've got half a chance of playing on Saturday."

Villa central defender Gareth Barry could return after being stretchered off with a knee injury at Valley Parade. If he is ruled out, Mark Delaney could again deputise