Middlesbrough are confident of keeping Terry Venables at the club beyond the end of the season.

Venables is due to leave, because of TV commitments, in May but manager Bryan Robson revealed yesterday: "If he wants to stay something will be sorted. We have told him that as a club."

Robson believes the former England coach could combine his ITV duties with running Boro's first team. "I'm sure it would work out, if that's what he wants," he added.

"ITV have not finalised their schedule yet so maybe he could do both. He will probably make a decision near the end of the season."

Boro are unbeaten in seven games since Venables took charge of coaching and team selection. They have won four, drawn three and conceded two goals - an own goal and a penalty. Before that they had taken one point from 30.

Venables admits he is happy back on a training pitch with players and Robson, speaking on the club website, added: "I really do believe that, if things keep going well and Terry gets the bug and is enjoying it, then he'll do everything he can to stay."

Boro's players are also backing moves to make the appointment permanent.

Keeper Mark Schwarzer said: "I'd like to think we have a chance of persuading him to stay if we continue to progress.

"I think there are maybe one or two individuals in the club who can make him change his mind at the end of the season.

"It's obvious to everyone he is enjoying it. His face lights up when he is on the training ground."

Boro originally offered Venables a 2-year deal, which he turned down because of his contract with ITV.

But he admitted: "I really enjoy working with the players. I've got straight back into it and they have been terrific.

"But that's all I'm concentrating on at the moment."

Hamilton Ricard has been warned to clean up his act by Robson.

The Colombian striker, who recently returned from a three-match ban, is suspended again for the game at Liverpool on Saturday.

Ricard misses one game for collecting five yellow cards and Robson said: "He's got to learn about discipline. He's a good player and we need him on the pitch."