Jones's nearest rival for the number one spot at Middlesbrough, Ross Turnbull, left the Riverside last week to join Chelsea, but Boro have wasted no time signing a replacement.

Coyne, a 36-year-old Welsh international keeper, joins from Tranmere Rovers where he had a fine season last term as one of League One's best stoppers.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate said: "Danny is an excellent goalkeeper who will push for a first team place this season.

"We feel we need an experienced goalkeeper to challenge Brad and Jason (Steele)."

Coyne claimed he had signed with Boro to play football, not second-fiddle to Jones, saying: "I feel as fit as I've ever been so I'm coming here to push Brad for a first team place and do all I can to contribute towards us winning promotion."

Jones, 27, finished last season at Middlesbrough's number one favoured goalkeeper and was called up to Pim Verbeek's Australia squad in June.