Players Must Get Sparks Flying

BORO will need the fans' backing just as much against Hull as when Manchester United visit next month, says Gareth Southgate - but they must earn that backing.

Despite a dreadful recent run since their win over Boro early in December, the wounded Tigers will provide a formidable obstacle in a game the Teessiders simply must win.

"In terms of momentum, the affect it can have on the rest of the bottom of the table, on Hull and ourselves, we need the win and we've got to give a performance that shows the pride and passion we have for staying in this division," said Southgate.

"On paper, we've got particularly tough fixtures coming up against Arsenal and Manchester United. But the only thing for certain is that Hull will be as difficult as any of them.

"They are looking over their shoulders and they need the points as much as we do. They're an aggressive side and they'll be coming to the Riverside with a big contingent of fans to try to take something from the game."

Hull may be seven points ahead of Boro but Southgate believes they are very much part of the relegation dogfight, whatever their manager would have you believe.

"I've smiled at some of Phil Brown's comments saying all the pressure is on us," he said. "I think he's trying to take the pressure off them because at this moment in time everybody will see us as buried.

"We've got to put on a performance that will give us hope again. Their form hasn't been good, the same as ours hasn't.

"They had a good start to the season and those points are keeping them out of the relegation zone."

Boro's players forfeited their day off this week in an attempt to iron out the defensive frailties at set pieces that have dogged them all season and were underlined in last Saturday's 4-1 defeat at the Reebok Stadium.

Now Southgate says it's their job to give the supporters grounds to believe Boro can emulate the great escapes seen by Premier League strugglers in recent seasons.

He said: "We've got to put a performance on that gets the ground noisy - it's our responsibility. If we can get that backing from the fans, which I know we will, it will give the team a huge lift.

"I know the fans have been incredibly supportive, they've really rallied around the cause, they know the precariousness of our position and they have been doing all they can to help.

"These two home games are going to be very, very important. There's plenty of evidence of teams coming off a bad run of form and suddenly getting a result and it changing things round.

"We can talk all we like but we have to do our talking on the field and that process starts against Hull."