Southgate anticipates battle of nerves

07 May 2009 14:37
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has admitted the fight for Premier League survival could come down to who best holds their nerve.[LNB]The Teessiders head into a potentially decisive derby trip to Newcastle on Monday evening knowing defeat for either side could all but see them relegated, and a draw could prove near-fatal to both sides. For both Southgate and opposite number and former England team-mate Alan Shearer, the stakes could hardly be higher, although they are not alone.[LNB]West Brom boss Tony Mowbray knows defeat at home to Wigan would see his club effectively relegated regardless of what happens elsewhere, while Hull face a must-win home clash with Stoke and Sunderland travel to Bolton in severe danger of being sucked back into the mire.[LNB]Southgate, who experienced the nightmare of relegation during his playing days at Crystal Palace, is acutely aware his young players will face a major test of character as the season draws to a tense conclusion.[LNB]He said: "That will be important, but we have to get results, we have got to score goals and we have got to play well. Holding your nerve is important - there will be some big atmospheres to cope with, some big matches to play in.[LNB]"Going out and performing and being able to perform under pressure will be key, definitely."

Source: Eurosport