Tuncay Sanli's 32nd-minute strike was enough to virtually end Boro's relegation fears and it was just as well with Chelsea and Manchester United now looming on their Barclays Premier League agenda.

However, having already taken four points off Arsenal this season and pushed Liverpool close at Anfield, Southgate insists Boro have no reason to feel daunted by their two big tests.

"What we've got now are two games that people will look at and think we won't take much from," he said.

"But we've been good in those games in the past so there's no reason why, having gone to Arsenal and got a point, and having scored two at Anfield, we should go into any game thinking we won't get something from it.

"That has to be our attitude going to Chelsea and with Manchester United due to come here.

"We're back up to 12th and we want to be there at the end of the season if we possibly can be. That's our mentality for the last seven games."

Boro dominated proceedings against their doomed opponents but with a second half blizzard swirling the game was never going to be a classic, and was described by Southgate as an "instantly forgettable" afternoon.

He would have had more reason to remember the match if his side had been embarrassed by a late lapse which almost let in Robert Earnshaw, the Rams striker heading a simple chance wide five minutes from time.

It was Derby's only real opportunity, although they finished the better side and boss Paul Jewell said: "It's the story of our season.

"We did really well against Manchester United and tried to take it into the game but we just can't put two performances together.

"We had that golden opportunity right at the end and that's the
difference.

"Teams at the top kill you in a situation like that. But we haven't scored enough and if you let in too many as well it is a recipe for relegation."