ANDREW TAYLOR knows Boro are in a relegation battle but is confident the team have the mental toughness to get through this difficult spell.

Back to back defeats against Bolton and Sunderland have put Gareth Southgate's men in a precarious position, just four points away from 18th-placed Birmingham City.

"We've never hidden that we've always been in a bit of trouble," said the full-back.

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"But we're in a far batter position then a lot of teams below us and it's still in our hands.

"I think we're more than capable of picking up enough points to stay in the league."

Harry Redknapp and Portsmouth travel to the Riverside with an FA Cup final looming as well as having David James unavailable.

"If he's not playing it's a huge bonus," said the 21-year-old.

"I think he's a fantastic keeper who's been in great form and if he doesn't play, hopefully we can capitalise on that and grab a couple of goals."

Taylor says everyone will be fully focussed on the job in hand come the weekend

"We are in a relegation fight, which we shouldn't be, in but talk is cheap

"We need to start producing on the pitch. I am confident we have the experience and the quality in our group to come through it."