Keeper suspends Boro talks
Mark Schwarzer has suspended talks with Middlesbrough about extending his contract.
Schwarzer's current deal runs out at the end of this season and there are concerns he could follow Mark Viduka's lead and leave for nothing.
Holding off: Mark Schwarzer is waiting to see over a new contract
"I have made it clear to Gareth Southgate that at the moment I am happy to continue the way it is and we have both agreed to put it off until the end of the year," he said.
"We have to build on the performances we have had so far and the most important thing is for us to play well and start to work our way up the table.
"In the last couple of seasons we have consistently finished around 11th to 13th in the table so we really need to aim for a UEFA Cup place this season. If we do that then anything is possible." Schwarzer is expected to shake off a leg injury he picked up in Australia's defeat to Argentina to face West Ham on Saturday.
