The 23-year-old has established himself as Gareth Southgate's first-choice goalkeeper after he and Australia international Jones were handed the task of filling Mark Schwarzer's boots following his departure for Fulham during the summer.

Jones, 26, initially got the nod, but when he dislocated a finger in the warm-up ahead of the second game of the season at Liverpool, Turnbull took his chance and has been there virtually ever since.

The Bishop Auckland-born stopper turned in a fine individual display as Boro very nearly emerged from their trip to Manchester United on Monday evening with a morale-boosting point.

He admits the taste of senior action has only made him hungry for more, although he insists that will not get in the way of his relationship with Jones.

Turnbull said: "It's always good to have a good relationship with each other because you have got to help each other.

"Whether that situation is at every club, I don't know, but I prefer it the way it is rather than us not speaking to one another, which you have heard in the past has happened before.

"Brad and me are good friends on and off the field, and it is just good competition for both of us.

"I have loved every minute of it. I just want to play football and it has been a fantastic experience playing week in, week out.

"It's not easy, but I have enjoyed it."

The defeat at Old Trafford left Boro clear of the Barclays Premier League drop zone only on goal difference after a run of three successive defeats and eight games without a win.

Saturday's FA Cup third round clash with non-league Barrow may bring a little light relief to the Riverside Stadium, but that is followed by the visit of derby rivals Sunderland and a trip to West Brom which could prove pivotal in their season.

But while the overall situation is precarious for manager Gareth Southgate and his players, Turnbull admits he has his hands full simply making sure he remains ahead of Jones in the pecking order.

He said: "There's always pressure - it's the same with every other position in the team.

"Brad's pushing me hard and I have got to keep performing to stay in the team.

"It's difficult, but if I can keep putting in performances, then I will stay in the team."

Southgate was linked with a series of keepers during the summer transfer window despite his insistence he was happy with Turnbull and Jones, and he has already been linked with Sheffield United's Paddy Kenny this time around.

However, his position remains unchanged and his priorities - if funds become available - lie elsewhere, most notably in midfield.