WITH the guarantee of European football on the agenda for the winners of tomorrow's second FA Cup semi-final, George Boateng has described the date with West Ham as Middlesbrough's final.

Both Liverpool and Chelsea, the other two teams in the last four, are destined to qualify for the Champions League via the Premiership and that means the winners of the other semi-final will play in the UEFA Cup next season - regardless if they win or lose at the Millennium Stadium.

In the build up to last Monday's dress rehearsal at the Riverside Stadium, when the Teessiders won 2-0, Hammers boss Alan Pardew illustrated the importance by hailing tomorrow's meeting as the biggest game of the season for his side.

And now Boateng, aware that Boro are the favourites to earn a third successive season in the UEFA Cup as West Ham were only sixth in the Championship 11 months ago, has followed suit.

The Dutchman, hoping to be part of two finals which will raise his prospects of going to this summer's World Cup, said: "Sunday is our cup final - not a semi-final. It's that big and important for us.

"West Ham have not experienced this lifestyle of playing in Europe and they would love to be in our shoes. But we can't allow them to get there - we have to claim it for ourselves.

"We know how it is and how much hard work is required to get to play in Europe.

"Last year was just an experience for us but this year we have got used to it. We don't want to give it up."

Should Middlesbrough overcome West Ham and reach the FA Cup final on May 13 then Boateng will not have the demand for tickets he will if a place in the UEFA Cup showpiece is assured.

Thursday's defeat to Steaua Bucharest in the first leg has given them a tough hurdle to overcome in the return fixture next Thursday, but the success over Basle in the previous round highlighted their ability to bounce back.

If that was done again then Boateng expects to be acting as ticketmaster for those close to him for the UEFA Cup final in Eindhoven on May 10.

"It's special that the final is in Holland.

"I have about 50 people asking me already for tickets and I think I'm going to book a whole stand," said Boateng.

"There would be many friends and family in Holland so it would be extra special and it would be like a home game for me."

Boateng was one of the players who struggled to find his feet in the Lia Manoliu Stadium in Bucharest, as Steaua exploited Middlesbrough with some neat and tidy passing.

But, after escaping from the tie with just one goal to overturn, Boateng is confident progress to the final can be made.

"We didn't play well. It was a big occasion for some players but it was an intimidating place to come," said Boateng. "Steaua should know this team can play 100 per cent better than it did on Thursday.

"We are certainly capable of that. We have players coming back from injury and suspension.

"We've been in very difficult situations before in this competition and still come out of it - so we can hope.

"We are not tired mentally - physically maybe a bit. But we will have a good day on Friday and start getting ready for West Ham."