'TIS the season to be jolly. But a double dose of Middlesbrough is a double dose of depression if you ask me.

It was always a grim place when I was playing up at Newcastle, and having to go there twice in the Christmas week isn't the most pleasant of tasks for Mark Hughes and his side.

I bet there isn't a manager who has signed a player for Middlesbrough having given them a tour of the town. You'd have to blindfold them!

But, seriously. Rovers have a job to do tonight, and they know it.

Our away form is a bit concerning, but after producing that incredible comeback at Charlton in the previous round of the Carling Cup they know they are capable of getting back into any game.

We could not have said that of the team last season. But there is more self belief in the side now, and it seemed they were unlucky not to get a point at Fulham on Saturday.

The draw's been cruel to Rovers in handing them a trip to a side they will face once more at the Riverside on Boxing Day. But if you want a cup run, sometimes you have to do it the hard way.

And there is no reason why Rovers can't earn a place in the semi-final and bring another trip to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium that bit closer.

Our record in this competition has been decent over the last few years, especially having won it under Graeme Souness in 2002. And it would be fantastic to get to the final again because it would provide so many boosts to the club.

The money wouldn't go amiss for starters, but it would be a real lift to the fans and boost the profile of the club as well.

But hopefully we'll be able to concentrate on that more after tomorrow night.

The back-to-back Middlesbrough v Rovers games are uncanny to say the least, and I'm not sure whether they will prove to be a help or a hindrance to either side.

Who knows what the plan of action will be tonight. Whether either side goes out with a full-strength squad ahead of a packed Christmas schedule remains to be seen.

But one thing is for sure, Lucas Neill and Paul Dickov will not be featuring in the Boxing Day clash after bookings for the duo at Fulham warrant suspension.

Question marks still remain over the fitness of Craig Bellamy and Ryan Nelsen, although Bellamy has a chance of featuring tonight.

Nevertheless, Rovers can't afford to lose two more players in what is perennially a tough period.

Christmas isn't a time for putting your feet up and stuffing your face if you're a footballer.

It's a time of year when players really do earn their crust. It can be difficult having to miss out on parties and celebrations, but from the moment you become a professional you get into the habit of not eating excessive amounts of turkey and sprouts and staying away from the alcohol.

I could always tell whenever any of my team-mates had over-indulged because it did affect them.

To me, that was wrong, because not only were you letting yourself down, you were letting your team-mates down.

More than anything, though, Christmas can be such a humbling time for a footballer as a result of the hospital visits.

Seeing people, especially children, in hospital over Christmas can make you appreciate how very lucky you are.