FRENCH international Christian Karembeu yesterday pinpointed the reasons why Middlesbrough were forced to bring in Terry Venables after going into freefall under Bryan Robson this season.

Boro, unbeaten in eight matches since Venables arrived, have taken 13 points from 21, after previously totalling one point from 27.

It's an astonishing turnround - and the midfielder spelled out why he believes it happened.

Karembeu claimed Robson had too much faith in the players and allowed them too much freedom - where Venables, in contrast, leaves each one in no doubt about exactly what he is looking for from them.

"Bryan Robson was a legend for England as a player and someone who had done a lot for Middlesbrough," he said.

"His biggest fault was he trusted the players too much. He thought they would show the same level of commitment that he did as a player, but without ever being told.

"Mr. Venables has brought his tactical nous and experience to the situation. He is a pro and that is why we have responded well.

"When he came he went round and spoke to every player individually to spell out what he expected.

"You need solid foundations and once they're in place the game becomes simpler. His methods will keep us in the Premiership."

The £2.5m midfielder revealed that, before Venables took charge of coaching and team selection, even experienced players had lost so much confidence the team was beaten before the start of games.

"When you have lost match after match you forget what you are good at and, during the terrible sequence when we didn't win for ten games, we had lost before the kick-off," he added.

But Karembeu believes Robson can return and take charge of team affairs again if Venables leaves at the end of his six-month contract in May.

"Perhaps the time had come for Bryan to refresh his coaching skills," he said.

"He is a gentleman and his decision to bring in Mr. Venables was very brave and I hope he will learn a lot from it. I don't see any reason why he can't resume his coaching duties in the summer and take the club forward."

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough are checking Aberdeen's £1m-rated full-back Kevin McNaughton.

Boro scouts watched the 18-year-old in a tournament in Spain last week where he played against 1860 Munich.

lMiddlesbrough's FA Cup fourth round clash with either Notts County or Wimbledon will take place at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday, February 6 (kick-off 7.45pm). The game was originally scheduled for this Saturday.