MIDDLESBROUGH coach Terry Venables last night hailed the player he once wrote off as a crock.

Australian international Paul Okon has been a revelation in Boro's midfield since former Socceroos' boss Venables took charge at the Riverside last month.

Okon, signed last summer by manager Bryan Robson on a Bosman free from Fiorentina, broke a foot in the home game against Leeds in August and was out for almost four months.

But his biggest fight was four years ago when he suffered a serious knee injury which Venables feared might end his career.

Venables recalled: "Paul was with the Australia squad when I was there, but he couldn't play because of his knee.

"To come back from that injury, which was career-threatening, is absolutely amazing.

"I know how he was and to come back and perform like he has in the Premiership is exceptional.

"He didn't play under me with Australia. I went to Rome to watch him play and he came and trained with us.

"He felt he was fit, but I'm afraid I didn't. He was very disappointed, but it's amazing how these things can change and I'm really impressed with what he's done.

"I was fortunate when I came here because I knew about his talent and what he could do.

"But I didn't know how far ahead he was after having the injury he had at the start of the season.''

Boro are unbeaten in five matches since 28-year-old Okon returned to the fray.

But he admits their change of fortunes, after picking up only one point in nine games, is all down to Venables.

"It had got to the point where we seemed afraid of winning,'' said Okon. "We went out hoping not to lose, whereas now it's totally different.

"When Terry arrived we were low on confidence and frightened to play. Now the atmosphere has changed and everyone is looking forward to each game, believing we can win.''

Meanwhile, Boro skipper Paul Ince is ready to defy knee and groin niggles to return for Monday's FA Cup third-round tie at Bradford.

But defender Colin Cooper, who like Ince missed the New Year's Day draw at Leeds, is still out with knee and ankle problems.

Boro have confirmed their interest in Feyenoord's Australian international midfielder Brett Emerton. The 21-year-old scored in the Aussies' win over Scotland at Hampden Park this season