APOLOGIES if I seem a little excitable this week. I woke up on Monday morning singing like a Canary and can't understand why.

Maybe it was because of the away performance we've been crying out for all season. I suspect the moment Andrew Cole's header hit the back of the net, was the point at which most of us felt deep down Premiership survival was assured.

It was also of course that rarest of Rovers commodities. A goal direct from a corner!

The victory over a woeful Boro side seemingly already on their summer hols was thoroughly deserved.

However, Graeme Souness was quite correct to be at pains to point out we should not rest until mathematically safe.

Although Ipswich's's subsequent defeat at Arsenal makes it unlikely they will overhaul our current points total, you get nothing for counting chickens.

Damien Duff confirmed that when on song he can turn games single-handedly. Press speculation has already been rife concerning his future.

And if he isn't already Duffer will no doubt become one of soccer's hottest properties following the World Cup.

Saturday's game showed once again that barring earthquake, famine or natural disaster (ie relegation) the Club should never even countenance his voluntary sale.

You simply cannot replace quality like that. The last time we tried following a certain Mr Shearer's departure, it took the club four years to recover.

Talking of that certain ex-Rover, I feel congratulations are in order to big Al on his 200th Premiership goal.

History will quite possibly prove him the greatest player ever to pull on the blue and white halves. Yet he tends to receive a mixed reaction at best at Ewood.

Surely now is the time to forgive and forget the unfortunate timing of his departure and recognise once and for all his immense contribution to the club.

We will probably only see him very rarely on the pitch at Ewood again. For that reason I would love to see him given a rousing reception prior to kick off tonight.

After which he should be booed, jeered, abused and accorded the same general lack of respect as any other opposition player!

The excitement this weekend was not confined to the Premiership. No columnist worth his salt would wish to waste valuable column space on matters too "inconsequential" in nature.

However, it would be churlish and completely remiss of me not to pass on my heartfelt condolences to my fellow columnist in the aftermath of the Clarets latest unsuccessful tilt at the play-offs.

All is not lost for Stephen. As we wonder whether it will be the likes of Milan or Monaco in the UEFA Cup, Stephen can plot his side's annual unsuccessful assault on the Isle of Man Trophy.

A word of warning. It might be prudent to pack his bucket and spade in case the Clarets run into the mighty Isle of Man again in the competition's early stages.

Still at least there won't be other giants like Rushden and Diamonds and Cheltenham to worry about.

Back in the big time, a win tonight will guarantee us that mathematical safety barring a 20 goal swing in the remaining three matches.

I have had an extremely fine bottle of vintage seven quid Tesco champagne waiting to be supped the minute we are safe. I feel it is high time it was put in the fridge.

So come on lads, let's have a barnstorming performance and thumping victory against those overperforming Geordies.

Then we can have a party, Worthington Cup and all, on the last day of the season!