WHILE all eyes are focused on Sunday's Worthington Cup final in Cardiff, Rovers' perilous plight in the Premiership was once again underlined by Middlesbrough's victory over Fulham last night.

Steve McLaren's men, who looked so inept on Saturday, comfortably disposed of Jean Tigana's classy Cottagers at the Riverside.

And, amazingly, Boro have now opened up a yawning six-point gap between themselves and Rovers after shooting up to the dizzy heights of 11th in the Premiership table.

As a result, the trip to the Reebok in 10 days time has now taken on even greater significance as the sides at the bottom begin to get cut adrift.

It's a long time since Rovers last played in a major final -- 42 years to be precise!

So, though it's important to enjoy the whole 'Millennium Experience' let's hope it doesn't distract us from the real task in hand.

Rovers' game against Bolton is now the real cup final, especially if Wanderers were to win at Southampton on Saturday. Whoever tastes defeat in that game faces an uphill struggle to preserve their top-flight status.

On paper, Rovers would appear to boast the greater quality in players of the calibre of Andy Cole, David Dunn and Damien Duff.

But, for what Bolton lack in ability, they certainly make up for in spirit and it's absolutely vital that Rovers match them in that department on the day.

A win on Sunday would certainly boost their chances because that would do wonders for the whole side's confidence.

But if they were to lose against Spurs then Graeme Souness must raise his troops quickly for the real challenges which lie ahead.