BORO'S cup exit at Wimbledon merely underlined the early season difficulties facing the team as they struggle to find their way out of a poor run of form.

Manager Bryan Robson is determined to get it right but has faced a huge injury list.

"It seems that we are forever mentioning injuries," he said. "But I defy any side including the likes of Arsenal - who we are up against tomorrow - to lose seven players who would normally be selected for the first team and cope.

"I need my players back as quickly as possible."

Colin Cooper summed up the mood in the dressing room.

"We are right behind the boss," he said. "There has been a lot of tough talking as no one likes the position we are in the league and we are out of the cup. But we need to stick together to see it through."

Fellow defender Curtis Fleming said: "I realise that for many fans recent results have been a let down but if I could just ask them to back us tomorrow against Arsenal it would make a great difference to our chances.

"The Gunners do possess some fantastic players but we must remember that we beat them at the Riverside last season - and what a boost it would be if we could get three points tomorrow," he said.

Fleming is looking positively at November: "I think that on Teesside we should all get together and battle through the month, there are three home games out of four and we are working hard to get it right for the boss and for the fans."

Fleming is in his testimonial year and has an Irish theme night at the Dickens Inn on Southfield Road, Middlesbrough, on Tuesday, November 14, tickets £5.

He said: "I am just looking for a good night with the fans and I am delighted that the Wild Cats of Kilkenny will be playing, lets hope we have had some wins to cheer by then."

By Alistair Brownle