Schwarzer's decision to quit the Riverside for Fulham has opened up an opportunity for Jones to seize his chance.

Manager Gareth Southgate has said he won't be going out to buy a replacement for Schwarzer.

The experienced keeper told the Sunday Sun: "We’ve been lucky here, we’ve always had two or three good keepers,” said Schwarzer.

“Ross and Brad (Turnbull) have performed very well when they’ve had opportunities and it does stand the club in good stead for the future. You have got some good young goalies coming through.”

“I know Brad well from the Socceroos.

“He’s pretty laid back but he’s very serious about his goalkeeping, he wants to be the best. He’s an excellent shot-stopper.

“It’s very tight between them — but either way Middlesbrough’s future looks very bright.”

Schwarzer has long felt that more Australian keepers need to be playing first team football in order to better make the transition to international football.