Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has challenged rival Aussie 'keeper Brad Jones to push Mark Schwarzer out of the number one slot.
The 23-year-old Australian has agreed a new two-year deal which will come into force on Sunday.
Jones is away on international duty with Schwarzer, and Southgate is hoping he will provide genuine competition to the 34-year-old.
Southgate said: "It is pleasing we have managed to keep hold of a promising young goalkeeper who was coveted by other clubs.
"It is about him developing over the next couple of years and pressing Mark for his position.
"We are lucky that we have players like Brad and Ross Turnbull who could become very good goalkeepers."
Jones, a product of the club's academy, was part of the Boro side which lifted the FA Youth Cup in 2003.
He has started four first-team games this season, against Hull and West Brom in the FA Cup and Portsmouth and Arsenal in the Barclays Premiership.
Jones is away on international duty with Schwarzer, and Southgate is hoping he will provide genuine competition to the 34-year-old.
Southgate said: "It is pleasing we have managed to keep hold of a promising young goalkeeper who was coveted by other clubs.
"It is about him developing over the next couple of years and pressing Mark for his position.
"We are lucky that we have players like Brad and Ross Turnbull who could become very good goalkeepers."
Jones, a product of the club's academy, was part of the Boro side which lifted the FA Youth Cup in 2003.
He has started four first-team games this season, against Hull and West Brom in the FA Cup and Portsmouth and Arsenal in the Barclays Premiership.
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
.jpeg&h=172&w=306&c=1&s=1)
Big change set to give Socceroos star new lease on life in the EPL
Socceroos midfielder embraces move to England
