CALL it the arrogance of a Dutchman if you like but midfielder Bolo Zenden knew before a ball had even been kicked on Saturday that Middlesbrough were going to reclaim seventh spot from Tottenham.

And, courtesy of George Boateng's early strike, Boro did just that by claiming all three points against Spurs to move into the final UEFA Cup place.

Now Zenden can travel with the rest of his team-mates to Manchester City on Sunday knowing a point will be sufficient in their bid to achieve a second successive European campaign .

He said: "In the build up to the game we knew nothing could go wrong. We had that feeling.

"We're still in the race but it's a massive game next week," he added, well aware that defeat will see City steal the all-important seventh spot at the 11th hour.

"It would have been nice if we had a better goal difference going into that game.

"Man City are at home and they have an advantage from that, but we've been in this kind of situation all season and we know what the pressures are.

"They've just come out of nowhere and, all of a sudden, they are there on the brink, because they've had a fantastic run. They must have some amazing confidence to have done what they've done.

"But it was a sign of the character of our squad that we can perform when the pressure is on like we did on Saturday.

"The fact is that we all enjoy games when the stakes are high and the pressure is on. We give something extra."

There are still doubts about whether Zenden, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will be at the Riverside Stadium come August if a UEFA Cup spot is not secured.

Talks have been put on hold until after Boro's fate is decided, but the former Barcelona man knows what another campaign in Europe means for the club.

"I don't want to talk about my situation at the moment," he said, following a standing ovation from the home support when he was substituted late on.

"But it's vitally important we get into Europe for the second year in a row.

"It gives us another opportunity to put the club on the map and to attract other players.

"We had the chance to sign a few top players last year because of being in Europe and this would keep us getting noticed, not just here but also abroad as well.

"We want to be regulars in the top six and that is the next step. That's the aim for the club."

Dutch colleague Boateng struck his third goal of the season - and for the club - on Saturday and, in doing so, won a magnum of champagne after a bet with head of recruitment Don Mackay.

Franck Queudrue also has a similar running wager with coach Steve Harrison and Zenden joked: "I haven't got a bet with anyone because they know they'll lose.

"But it's nice for George to get a bit of glory."

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