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ALASTAIR BROWNLEE'S BLACKBURN v BORO MATCH PREVIEW 18-1-08
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Irrespective of any possible breakthrough in the attempt to bring new faces to the Riverside, last Saturday's well earned point against Liverpool, and recent positive displays on their travels, have helped build a growing feeling that Boro are moving in the right direction.
Nevertheless, victories for Sunderland and Wigan last weekend have left the bottom of the Premier League incredibly congested, with four teams from Sunderland upwards tied on twenty points, then Boro on twenty-one and Reading on twenty-two.
It all adds up to a battle right to the end of the season and if Boro could pick up something from Saturday's trip to Ewood Park, it would be a terrific boost ahead of the next game at the Riverside - a real "six pointer" against Wigan.
Traditionally, trips to Blackburn have been hard fought affairs but it could be a good time to face Rovers as they were humiliated 4-1 by Coventry City in the FA Cup at Ewood. Just before that they were fortunate to get three points off Sunderland.
Mark Hughes' side did restore some pride with a last minute winner from Jason Roberts at Bolton on Sunday but despite Rovers sitting in eighth place, just three points off the top six, there is a feeling that they are going through a mid-season dip in form.
It's up to Boro to take advantage.
There were a number of positives to take out of the 1-1 draw with Liverpool, not least the size of the crowd. This shows that the fans are responding to the club's initiatives to try and win them back.
Anyone in the 33,000 plus attendance must have enjoyed the committed performance and will hopefully return on a regular basis. It does make a difference to the side to see the stadium close to capacity.
Another plus from the ninety minutes against the Merseysiders was the performance of George Boateng, and it was not just the fact that he hit the target.
The overall performance from the skipper was terrific and showed that he had put the disappointment at being left out of the side for the Everton and Bristol City games well behind him.
Gareth made no secret of his admiration for his captain's display and has spoken to George about how important he is to the side.
I think the entire incident reflects well on both manager and player. Gareth showed that he could be tough when required, whilst George responded by taking any disappointment he felt out on the opposition.
Let's hope that continues at Ewood Park but with Julio Arca and Lee Cattermole returning after suspension, it will be a battle to win a place in the Boro midfield. This is just how it should be.
A lot of newspaper column inches and talk on radio and TV has centred on Stewart Downing and the "will he wont he" move to Spurs.
Downing was desperately unlucky not to make the game with Liverpool safe for Boro as, somehow, Jose Reina deflected his powerful shot on to the post.
If that effort had gone in and established a two goal lead then there was no way back for the visitors.
The winger is not just our top scorer but also one of our most creative players and, at the time of writing this, Gareth stressed to me that no bid had been received from Spurs. He also stressed how important the winger was to the team.
I just hope that on Friday 1 February, Stewart Downing is still a Middlesbrough player.
Downing was the goal scorer for Boro on the opening day of the season when Blackburn came to the Riverside.
Sadly, it was only a consolation in a 2-1 defeat. Boro played well on the day and were unlucky to lose so let's hope that there is better fortune this Saturday.
The Middlesbrough Disabled Supporters held their Player of the Year awards this week and David Wheater was the proud winner of the Young Player of the Year award for 2007. Jonathan Woodgate picked up the Player of the Year award.
Woodgate was full of praise for the way that Wheater has adapted to the top flight and both defenders were delighted with their awards.
The disabled supporters club are still trying to raise funds for a new minibus. If anyone can help with a fundraising event I am sure that the chairman, Paddy Cronesberry, would love to hear about it.
They are such a dedicated group of fans and deserve to get their new coach as quickly as possible.
It is unthinkable to contemplate Boro playing away from home without their support. The profits of The Wetherby Whaler fish and chip shop would also take a dive if they could not continue to travel!
Paddy and the supporters will be at Ewood Park this Saturday and will be hoping for a repeat of one of the best matches I witnessed at the home of Rovers, in October 2004.
Boro destroyed Blackburn with a Jimmy Floyd Hassselbaink hat trick and a goal from George Boateng in one of the best away displays of that season.
I think that Gareth would settle, however, for a 1-0 win as long as Boro pick up three priceless points.
Bernie and I will be back on Century Radio on Sunday with Simply Red from 11am until 1 pm. We will be looking back on the action at Ewood Park and ahead to the FA Cup tie at Mansfield.
There will be all the usual features including the chance to win Sunday lunch for two at the Bluebell Hotel, Acklam, Middlesbrough and the opportunity to win a pair of tickets for the Wigan game courtesy of  Ladbrokes.
Guests will include Gordon Jones, Dave Hodgson and Stuart Boam so why not join in the fun by giving us a call on 08450021100 or text 85102.
Up the Boro!
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