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Hasselbaink's 17th goal of the campaign laid the foundations for Boro's 2-0 victory over West Ham yesterday, a further sign of his desire to maintain his prolific form until the end of the campaign.

The Dutchman's contract is due to expire in June and there have been no talks regarding the player's situation.

But manager Steve McClaren, who could well have been confirmed as the next England manager by the time negotiations are opened with chief executive Keith Lamb, admitted Hasselbaink is proving he has an appetite for the game that will interest a lot of people, particularly as he will be a free agent.

"We will be sitting down at the end of the season with Jimmy. Whatever happens I have got the greatest respect for him, and certainly more than when I first came here. He has proved his worth. I have admired him all season," said McClaren.

"Who knows what will happen in the summer? Every day he is first to training and his professionalism is remarkable. Back in December he was disappointed not to be playing but he showed a professional attitude and has been rewarded with goals galore (13) since the New Year.

"He is a winner and reminds me of Roy Keane - a winner in big games and in training matches. Jimmy doesn't think about the future. He just wants to win in the present. That says all you need to know about him and his character.

"He knows he is playing for a new contract somewhere. He is certainly doing the business for us and it would be difficult to even think about letting him go."

The FA are thought to be going to delay the announcement, initially expected tomorrow, of Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor until after further deliberation.

That adds weight to the belief McClaren will be the man installed after the World Cup as the delay would allow him to focus on Boro's two semi-finals in the UEFA Cup and FA Cup.

McClaren is the overwhelming favourite to lead England but said: "I don't read the papers and I don't gamble.

"I don't even know what day it is. Bookies favourites don't always win.

"It's a big week for us and my focus is solely on that and nothing else. Anything else would be detrimental.

"People have been debating the England job for months and I don't see it being any different now. I have a big job here and I want to bring success to this club.

"My family understand it has been a very hectic finish to the season and I want that to continue."

Middlesbrough's success over West Ham has given them the psychological advantage, if there is any, ahead of the next meeting between the two at Villa Park on Sunday.

And Hammers boss Alan Pardew, who was famously part of the Crystal Palace side that overcame Liverpool in an FA Cup semi-final in 1990 at that venue, feels his side will have to record an upset.

"The better team won here and Boro are very much favourites for the semi-final," he said. "They are much further down the line than us in terms of experience and investment. We can't go into the game as anything other than underdogs."

But McClaren, whose side won for the sixth time in ten league matches, believes Pardew's mind games have already started.

"This win will have no relevance at all on the outcome of the semi," said McClaren, whose side travel to Romania tomorrow for Thursday's UEFA Cup semi-final with Steaua Bucharest. "He is probably playing mind games.

"It was a big game for us, not only because we were at home and needed the points, but it makes us mathematically safe.

"There was a lot of pressure on us and we have come through it. Now we head into the biggest week in the club's history."

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