AFTER a week of Venables speculation Boro must focus on a very important game this weekend as they travel to West Ham in a bid to climb out of the bottom three.

Boro battled hard after a disastrous start last Saturday to gain a point against lowly Bradford, but yet again errors cost Boro dear.

Paul Ince said: " We could have Terry Venables or a Johan Cruyff or anyone at the Boro, but if we make individual mistakes then there is not a lot that a coach can do. It is really up to the players to take responsibility and start to get us out of trouble."

The captain's sentiments were endorsed by central defender Steve Vickers, who said: "It's time to come out and battle for some points. The situation we are in is similar to half way through last season - then we all pulled together to get us up the league to finish in mid table.

"Let's roll up our sleeves and do it again. If it takes playing some unattractive football in the process, so be it - we need the points," he said.

Keith O'Neill added: "This is still the best squad on paper since I joined the club, but we have to do it on the pitch."

O'Neill has endured a season hit by injury but there is light at the end of the tunnel. He said: "I am back in training and if I get through a reserve game next week I should be available for the derby at Sunderland."

But first it's Upton Park for Boro and how they would love a repeat of last season's 1-0 win - here's hoping.

By Alistair Brownlee