MIDDLESBROUGH wing-back Keith O'Neill is being wrapped in cotton wool amid fears of a recurrence of the back trouble which forced him to miss the final three months of last season.

The Republic of Ireland international was a late withdrawal from the New Year's Day game at Leeds when he felt renewed pain.

O'Neill flew to Germany twice last season to visit top specialist Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt, whose clients have also included former Boro star Christian Ziege and Liverpool teammate Michael Owen.

But Boro are hoping a week-long rest cure will ensure O'Neill is not ruled out for another lengthy stretch.

Head coach Terry Venables said: "Keith had over two months out before the Sunderland game, but played after only four days' training.

"He did so well that we kept pushing him and he played five games in a row before we went to Leeds.

"When he woke up on the morning of the game, his back was bad. We thought he'd still play and that we'd give him a couple of weeks off after that.

"But I spoke with our physio, Bob Ward, and we decided that if we pushed Keith into the game and he tore a hamstring, he could have been out for four or five weeks.

"He wanted to play, because that's the sort of bloke he is, but it just wasn't worth the risk.''

O'Neill has a full week to recover before Boro face Bradford at Valley Parade in the FA Cup next Monday.

Paul Ince should be fit for the third-round tie after sitting out the 1-1 draw with Leeds.

The Boro skipper had picked up knee and groin injuries and Venables explained: "We thought he was going to be out for seven or eight days.

"He had treatment and he thought he might have a chance at Leeds, so he came along on the bus with the rest of the lads.

"But he was just a bit short of fitness so we erred on the side of caution.''

Relegation-threatened Boro are unbeaten in five matches since Venables assumed full command of the first team, and the former England boss admitted: "We're very happy with the run.

"We're getting to know each other and the players are beginning to understand what I'm trying to do.

"Those around us at the bottom of the table are getting results and that makes it harder.

"But there are seven or eight clubs involved and I think it'll be another six weeks or so before things really start to pan out.''

l Jari Litmanen, linked with Boro and Newcastle last year, is attracting the attention of a mystery English club.

The Finnish ace, negotiating a move from Barcelona, is a self-confessed Liverpool fan but has also had offers from Belgian champions Anderlecht and Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Heikki Martinen, the player's representative, is talking with interested parties and a deal is expected to be struck soon to end the 29-year-old's Nou Camp misery.

Largely overlooked by boss Llorenc Serra Ferrer, Litmanen has been told he can leave Barca and go abroad.

The former Ajax star has not been training with his colleagues and is desperate for a fresh start.

Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham have also been credited with an interest