FAMED for making saves, the last eight months have proved that Mark Schwarzer is equally adept at making savings.

By shaking hands on a new three-year deal yesterday, the Middlesbrough goalkeeper has brought an end to one of the most protracted stand-offs in North-East footballing history.

The 'will he or won't he' saga has dragged on for the best part of a year with the club claiming one week that a contract was on the table, only for Schwarzer to hit back by insisting that no such offer had been made.

Years ago, the contract discussions would have taken less than an hour, with Boro officials putting forward one figure, Schwarzer suggesting one of his own, and a compromise being agreed somewhere in the middle.

Now, though, contract talks have assumed the mystery and subterfuge of a game of poker. And, on this occasion, it was Schwarzer who was holding the aces.

The Australian international knew he had a strong hand when discussions began in May.

After moving to Teesside in February 1997, the 32-year-old had established himself as the last line of the Middlesbrough defence.

Boss Steve McClaren had come to rely on him, with the occasional error always overshadowed by a series of impressive reflex saves and a commanding physical presence that enhanced an already-solid backline.

Second-choice Carlo Nash was unlikely to dislodge him, while the rigours of a European campaign meant defensive diligence was even more important than ever.

So, when talks initially stalled because of what Schwarzer perceived to be Boro's intransigence, the goalkeeper was always going to sit tight.

He knew he was gambling from a position of strength and, when further cards were dealt this season, two more jokers dropped into his lap.

Firstly, it became clear that three of the Premiership's four biggest sides were on the look-out for a keeper.

Arsenal were unhappy with both Manuel Almunia and Jens Lehmann, Jerzy Dudek was giving Liverpool the jitters, and Roy Carroll's ball-dropping exploits were making even Manchester United team-mate Tim Howard look reliable.

The trio were all on goalkeeper watch and, inevitably, their sights began to turn to Schwarzer.

With his contract about to expire, the Australian became one of the biggest bargains in the January sales. If Middlesbrough didn't up their offer, one of their leading lights would be off.

With that prospect in mind, McClaren looked at other options.

Norwich's Robert Green was hotly tipped, but was holding out for his own move to Highbury. Carlo Cudicini ticked most boxes, but Chelsea wouldn't consider releasing him with four trophies to chase. Similarly, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Edwin Van der Sar presented problems too difficult to surmount.

After spending two months scouring the market, McClaren finally made up his mind. The answer was at his own door.

So, in an attempt to finally resolve the situation, Boro returned to the table with their bargaining power in tatters.

The ante was raised further when Schwarzer aired his grievances in public earlier this month.

"There has been no further offer or talks regarding a new offer since November," he claimed. "I must admit my future is uncertain. I have to weigh up my options." See your ten thousand and raise you five.

The fold came yesterday when Schwarzer announced his delight at a new three-year deal.

The exact figures have not been revealed, but it is safe to assume that they are far higher than the first proposal tabled in the summer. They will be boosted even further by the testimonial that Schwarzer will be due in the final year of his Riverside stay.

It is not a case of winners and losers. Middlesbrough have acquired the services of a top-notch stopper and, given Steve Gibson's business acumen, they will not have broken their bank to do it.

But, for Schwarzer, this year's bargaining has brought tangible rewards. Now he must prove he is as difficult to out-manoeuvre on the pitch.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.