David Wheater admits Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Hull could be make or break for Middlesbrough.

The Teessiders head into the encounter at the Riverside Stadium five points adrift of safety with just seven games remaining.

Redcar-born defender Wheater said: "On a scale of one to 10 in importance, this match rates about a 12.

"This is one we really, really need to win, no question. Hull is a must-win game for us. It is massive.

"I know we have said a few times now that this game or that game is the most important one so far, but this time I think it really is.

"We all know exactly how important it is to the way the rest of the season pans out.

"We dare not even think about losing it but if we win it, suddenly it is game on and we are right back in touch.

"If we can beat Hull, and I think we can, then we are right back in it."

Boro have won just one of their last 19 league fixtures - remarkably, against title-chasing Liverpool - and face games against Hull and then Fulham away in the next 10 days which could have a significant say in where they will play their football next season.

There is also the small matter of a Tyne-Tees derby trip to Newcastle on May 9, which could be hugely significant to both clubs.

Wheater said: "We also have the derby game at Newcastle coming up soon, and that is a biggie too, and we are confident we can go there and win.

"That game will be huge for both teams. They always are with us having so many local lads, but this one will be unbelievable.

"The stakes are incredible. It is not just bragging rights. It could mean survival for us and we will be going flat out."

However, if Boro fail to pick up points before then, the game at St James' Park could be all but academic and Wheater knows three points against Hull is a must.

Phil Brown's side have been dragged into the relegation battle despite their excellent start to life in the top flight, and have won just two of their last 22 league games.

One of those came over Gareth Southgate's men at the KC Stadium on December 6, when Marlon King's penalty helped to beat the club he would later join on loan 2-1.

Wheater told the Evening Gazette: "We should probably have beaten them down at their place last time.

"This time we can put that right and maybe it will give us the chance to catch them.

"If we win, the three points might not take us out of the bottom three, but it would drag them right back in it, put pressure on the teams above us and put it back in our hands.

"It will get the confidence going for some big games that are coming up and give us the belief that we can get the run going we need to stay up.

"We have got Fulham at home after that and should be confident about that.

"We have done quite well at the Riverside the last few months and that is a platform for us."