THE Venables influence is holding out, with the real hope that 2001 can see Boro reaching safety in the Premiership and possibly enjoying a cup run.

Survival is the priority of course, but the manner of Boro's determined, if not spectacular, FA Cup success at Bradford on Monday has brought the reward of a home tie in round four against either Notts County or Wimbledon, and the prospect of a place in the last 16.

But Cup dreams are firmly put on hold for now as Boro face Derby in possibly the most important game of the season so far, as a win for head coach Terry Venables would take his team out of the dreaded drop zone.

Venables is preparing the battle plan to deny Derby success.

"They have had some good results recently," he said. "I watched them at the weekend and was impressed.

"Jim Smith is an experienced manager and, with the help of Colin Todd, they have moved in the right direction.

"But we need to concentrate on what we have been putting into practice in recent games," he added. "All the players are aware that this is a big match and will be ready for the test."

It's six games without defeat for Boro under Venables and if that run is extended with three points at the Riverside on Saturday, then Boro will be starting to look forward to - and not fear - the rest of the campaign.

By Alistair Brownle