Boro need to take their chances says Slaven

Posted on 11th January 2007

Middlesbrough legend Bernie Slaven believes the clash with Charlton on Saturday is massive. Middlesbrough drew 1–1 with Hull City in the FA Cup last weekend but return to Premiership action this weekend badly needing a result. Whilst a recent 3–1 win over fellow strugglers Sheffield United has helped ease the pressure Slaven believes Boro need to start taking their chances.

"We got away with it in the cup tie at Hull but we won't get away with it at Charlton. For starters, we won't get as many chances," said Slaven. "If this is massive for us, just think what it means to Charlton. They will be thinking that they must beat us. They are at home, they are desperate for the points and they have to make it count. So it's going to be a much tighter game than we got at Hull."

Middlesbrough had chances at Hull to get through their third round tie at the first time of asking but passed up their opportunities. Forward Yakubu could well have had a chance of a hat–trick felt Slaven and warns he needs to take his chances at Charlton this weekend. Slaven has warned however the battle to get points still starts at the back.

"Yakubu could have had a hat–trick at Hull. If he gets one chance on Saturday, he must put it away. The main thing from Boro's point of view is that we don't lose it," said Slaven. "That's why it's good to see Jonathan Woodgate and Mark Schwarzer back. I thought that Chris Riggott was OK at Hull considering his lack of games, but there's no way Southgate will leave out Woodgate now that he is fit again. We were a little bit ropey in defence at times at Hull and we have to improve at The Valley. If we can get a clean sheet, then we've already got a big result. It's going to be a battle from the start so we won't be playing too much football early doors."

Earlier Middlesbrough news

Riggott ready to battle
Middlesbrough interested in pair
Boro hopeful of cup run but Hull confident
Forwards can ease Boro away
Southgate wants Viduka to stay
Southgate delighted at character shown
We must win the battle first says Cattermole
Viduka wants to stay
Boro will come good insists Viduka
Friendship on the backburner
Uneasy relationship draws to a close
Sporting Lisbon more than keen on Rochemback
Southgate set to downsize Boro squad
Schwarzer thankful for point
Huth on the sidelines with injury