Keeper ready for number one battle

Ross Turnbull says he wants to sign a new long-term deal at Middlesbrough and hold down the number one jersey at the Riverside.

The 23-year-old former England Under-21 international has stolen a march on his friend Brad Jones to take over from the departed Mark Schwarzer as the club's number one keeper ahead of the new Premier League season having played in both of Boro's games in the Algarve Cup this week.

Turnbull has just one more year left on his current deal at Boro and is looking to stay between the sticks going into the season and then aim for a contract extension.

He told the Gazette: "I've got a year left on my contract now. I'm definitely playing for my future and there's nothing more that I want than to stay and be the No.1 goalkeeper, and with a year left it's down to me to show them what I can do."

On a new deal, he added: "There are no talks going on. They probably want to see how I get on and go from there.

"I want my future to be here at this club because these are exciting times, we've got a fit, young squad and I think we can do really well this year.

"My fiancee's just had a little girl (Maisy Jane) and I've got to look after her future, so it's vitally important that I get down and work hard."

On claims he is not experienced enough to take the number one spot at Boro, Turnbull, who has spent time on loan at Darlington, Bradford, Cardiff, Barnsley and Crewe, said: "People say I haven't got experience but I've been out on loan and played games in the lower divisions. That's how you get experience.

"I'm definitely ready for it. I've never been more focused and fitter, I feel really good at the moment so I need to maintain that and see what happens on August 16."