FRANCK QUEUDRUE is hoping Middlesbrough can deliver a knockout blow in Europe to help revive the club's ailing Premiership fortunes.

Bolton's victory at Manchester City on Monday toppled the Teessiders from the sixth place they have held since October.

Ahead of tomorrow night's UEFA Cup first leg with Sporting Lisbon, Queudrue, has refused to be downbeat.

After a promising start to the campaign, with talk of clinching a Champions League place, Boro have stuttered in 2005 - picking up seven points from a possible 27.

But the Frenchman has refused to rule out a late bid for the top four and believes an impressive performance against Sporting can aid a late domestic surge.

"It's like in boxing - you can win every round then in the last round you can lose," said Queudrue, ahead of the two-legged tie without the distraction of a Premiership game inbetween.

"Disaster is a strong word to use if we do miss out on the top six but it would be a big disappointment knowing that we have worked so hard all season.

"We haven't had the luck that other teams have had recently. But we need to force that to change and that could be against Sporting.

"We still have a good opportunity to finish in the top six and that's the objective. We will do everything to finish fourth."

One of Boro's biggest problems since the turn of the year has been in defence - they have conceded 23 goals so far.

Only two clean sheets have been kept in the last 13 games and it is a far cry from the displays of last season, when the backline was regarded as one of the most miserly in the top-flight.

"This year we haven't played four or five games with the same team. But we have to deal with that. We have to be professional," said Queudrue.

"Injuries are not excuses and I have been able to build an understanding with Gareth Southgate down my side, but it has been in the midfield and down the right that has been suffering the most."

There is a chance 18-year-old keeper David Knight will be asked to make a premature first team debut, with Mark Schwarzer and Carlo Nash struggling with injury.

Schwarzer could recover in time from a knee problem but even if he doesn't Queudrue believes Knight will relish the challenge.

"David will do his best and he will be like every young player at this club - he will cope."

Queudrue expects a tough challenge over the two legs but believes there is enough quality in the Boro squad to progress.

"They are a top four team in Portugal. It will be difficult opposition for us. It will be similar to the game we played with Villarreal but hopefully the result will be better. We have to try to keep the ball."

Chief executive Keith Lamb has urged Boro's supporters to turn out in force. He believes cup progress can strengthen Boro's arm in the transfer market.

Lamb said: "I'm sure all our fans have enjoyed our European adventure so far, and everyone wants it to continue.

"If we can make further progress we can put the name of Middlesbrough firmly on the European map."

l Tickets, available from the Riverside ticket office or by calling 0870 421 1986, are priced from £23 for adults and from £14 for under 16s and over-65s