Paul Merson yesterday warned unhappy Middlesbrough fans to stop complaining and start backing Bryan Robson.

The Boro boss has been a target after a disappointing start to the season but Merson, on the eve of his return to the Riverside, claimed the club is fortunate to have a high-profile name in charge.

Fans have already flooded newspapers and local radio with criticism but Merson insisted: "People there have to understand that Bryan Robson is a big, big name world-wide.

"If he wasn't at Middlesbrough nobody of international standing would play for them. Alen Boksic and Christian Karembeu would not be there now if it wasn't for him, neither would the other top players they've had like Ravanelli and Juninho."

Merson walked out on Boro to join Aston Villa in controversial circumstances two years ago, embarrassing Robson, but they have since shaken hands.

"He was the reason I went to Middlesbrough from Arsenal. When somebody like that wants to sign you it is flattering, that's why I dropped into the First Division when I didn't have to," the 32-year-old added.

"I can't speak highly enough of him. He is an outstanding manager and the fans should recognise that."

The former England midfielder will get a predictably rough reception from the crowd tomorrow but added: "What the fans should really accept is that they wouldn't be in the Premier League if it wasn't for me.

"That's not being big headed, it's being honest. When I went there the challenge was to get out of the First Division and we did that.

"The job was done, so I left because I was homesick. But if we hadn't gone up I would have stayed.

"Remember, I went there to replace Juninho, who everybody loves. When they were relegated some players left but that's when I signed - and I didn't see too many others falling over themselves to go there."

Boksic is likely to be fit to face Aston Villa but Gary Pallister, Phil Stamp and Christian Karembeu need fitness tests.

Robson is hoping the £2.5m Croatian striker will trigger an instant improvement after two defeats and a draw at home in the League.

"Alen makes a massive difference to us with his movement and ability to create chances," he said.

"He was way behind with his fitness when he joined us but he's getting there now. The more matches he plays the quicker we will see him at his best.

"He had an impact when he came on against Macclesfield, lifting the atmosphere, and the fans will be glad to see him in the side."

Boksic, who has been hit by injury and illness, has scored three times in three starts.

l Arsenal risk losing Dennis Bergkamp, unless they offer him a new contract of at least two years' duration to replace the one that expires at the end of this season.

In fact, if the Dutchman's Highbury future is not settled soon he will be legally entitled to talk to other clubs and negotiate a free transfer next summer.

Under Bosman transfer law that ruling only applies to overseas clubs, but it is well known that Ajax, where Bergkamp started his career, would jump at the chance to take him back to Amsterdam.

Dutch rivals PSV Eindhoven would also be interested in recruiting a player of Bergkamp's quality.

Neither option is preferred by Bergkamp to staying on at Highbury, where he arrived five years ago in a £7.5m transfer from Inter Milan, signed by Bruce Rioch.

But present manager Arsene Wenger seems in no real hurry to tie down Bergkamp, now 31, to a new agreement, although the Frenchman insists: ''I would love Dennis to extend his contract here."

Yet tough negotiator Wenger's track record with players arriving at the veteran stage is clear. Defenders Lee Dixon, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn were offered only one-year deals when trying to secure their futures at the club.