Emerson may get the nod

BRYAN ROBSON is agonising over whether to gamble on playing Emerson tonight as Middlesbrough bid to kill off Stockport County and clinch what could be the first part of a double Wembley date.

Emerson is winning his battle to recover from an ankle injury in time for the English League Cup semi-final second leg.

But the Brazilian midfield star, booked in the first leg at Stockport and against Liverpool in the quarter-finals, would be walking a tightrope if he played.

One more booking would automatically rule Emerson out of a Wembley appearance should Middlesbrough, who lead 2-0 from the first leg, go on to make history by reaching their first major Cup final.

Rob son insists Emerson's fitness, rather than the bookings, will dictate whether he faces Dave Jones' second division giantkillers.

"I'm aware that Emerson has picked up two bookings but that won't dictate whether he plays or not. I really need to have another look at him fitness-wise," said Robson.

The Premiership side have a vital league trip to Leicester on Saturday and Robson will not risk Emerson if he is not 100 per cent fit.

If Emerson, who missed Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final victory at Derby, does return Robson is confident he will put any fears about a booking to the back of his mind.

"He is a professional and he knows how to go about his job. He can't pull out of tackles but he knows he can't do anything daft."

Robson is confident that Middlesbrough, who have kept clean sheets in the last three Cup ties, will not allow Stockport back into the tie and insists his players will adopt a positive approach.

"If we work hard and concentrate I know Stockport will not score three goals but, although we've got a two-goal lead, we'll not go out just to defend," vowed Robson.

"We will have a positive approach because we are a Premiership side with world class players.

"Stockport will no, doubt go all out for an early goal to get back into the tie. The best way for us to approach the game is that we start at 0-0 and go out to score goals."

The return of 33-year-old skipper Nigel Pearson alongside Gianluca Festa has given Robson's defence a more solid look and allowed the likes of Juninho and Fabrizio Ravanelli to shine.

Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will return after being Cup-tied against Derby last Saturday and Festa has recovered from a knee injury.

But midfield player Phil Stamp could miss the game with an ankle injury and Derek Whyte is ruled out by a hamstring strain.

Now Robson wants to see he his players produce two more professional performances to keep alive the prospect of ending a traumatic season with two trophies.