TERRY Venables' unbeaten run as head coach has stretched to 11 games - but a concern for Teesside Tel is that the last four have been drawn and the goalless FA Cup Tie with Wimbledon means another fixture has been added to Boro's schedule as they search for Premiership survival and cup glory.

But wingback Keith O'Neill believes things are still on track.

"The unbeaten run gives the lads confidence and we feel that we can go to Wimbledon next Tuesday and progress in the cup," he said. "It may be tough playing two games in a week but we have the squad to cope."

Colin Cooper, sharing O'Neill's optimism, said: "We all believe we can get out of trouble, but we also know that everyone down there is fighting for their lives and the fight will probably go on until the final stages of the season."

After Villa on Saturday Boro have back-to-back home games with Southampton and Charlton before a tricky spell of three out of four matches away from the Riverside.

The FA Cup replay with Wimbledon is on Tuesday at Selhurst Park, kick off 7.45pm.

By Alistair Brownle