PROGRESS in the Worthington Cup gave Boro a timely lift this week.

Now the task is to take something from the long journey to Southampton tomorrow before the Premiership takes a break for World Cup qualifiers.

Hamilton Ricard hit a hat-trick at Macclesfield and manager Bryan Robson was delighted with the Colombian's return to form.

"It's been tough for Hamilton this season but we have worked him hard on the training ground and he reaped the rewards on Tuesday," he said.

Robson knows the value of an in-form Ricard to the Boro.

"He was our top scorer last season and tends to score his goals in batches so let's hope that he can now go on a run," he said.

The Dell is a tricky place to visit and the manager knows that Boro will have to be at their best. "Our away form as been good this season and we can travel with confidence," Robson said. "But Southampton have won back-to-back Premiership games and will make it hard for us."

Mark Schwarzer is making progress in his recovery from a broken thumb and he is keeping an eye on the competition for the first team jersey.

"Mark Crossley played very well at Macclesfield and I know that together with Marlon Beresford they will make it a hard battle for the number one place," he said.

"I watch the lads and cheer them on and think that once we get everyone back from injury we will start to make real progress."

Mark Crossley enjoyed his debut and said: "It has been frustrating getting a hamstring injury when the other keepers were also sidelined.

"But I enjoyed the game at Macclesfield and all I want to do is to make it hard for the manager when he is selecting the side!"

Southampton tomorrow is followed by a break until October 16 and the first North-East derby of the season as Newcastle visit the Riverside