Terry Venables has warned Middlesbrough's in-form players that the relegation fight is still there to be won, writes NEIL ANDREWS.

Boro are unbeaten in eight matches since Venables took over coaching and team selection, a run that has carried them three points clear of the drop zone.

But the former England coach insisted the crisis is not over: "This is going to go all the way to the end of the season," he said.

"We have had good results but we have to keep adding on points, we must not become complacent, we have to keep working at it."

Midfielder Christian Karembeu last week suggested that Boro will not now go down after taking 13 points from the last seven league games.

But Venables clearly does not want to hear predictions from the dressing room. "You know what I think about things like that, there is a long way to go and we have it all to do," he said.

"Just when you think you've achieved something, football has a habit of teaching you a lesson."

Venables, though, concedes Boro are improving their performances as well as results and points to the first 45 minutes at Liverpool on Saturday as proof.

"I've been to Anfield a few times but I've never taken a team there that played as well as we did in the first half," he said. "I was disappointed we were not ahead at half-time."

Keeper Mark Schwarzer's current form was highlighted in the defensive strength shown by the team in the second half.

The 6' 5" Aussie has conceded only two goals in eight games, form that has again attracted the attention of Premiershp clubs, including Arsenal.

But manager Bryan Robson yesterday warned that Schwarzer is not available.

"There is absolutely no chance of him leaving this club. He has four years of a contract to run and is not for sale. Our policy is to keep our best players and that is the end of it," said the Boro boss.