STEVE McCLAREN believes goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has shown tremendous 'mental toughness' to forget about his Carling Cup blunder and preserve a reputation as one of the best in the Premiership.

Schwarzer incredibly allowed a Kevin Davies strike roll tamely past him during the Cardiff showpiece on February 29.

But instead of ducking for cover, as Bolton attempted to find a crucial equaliser, the big Australian shot-stopper made two memorable saves to deny Youri Djorkaeff.

In the end Schwarzer's heroics secured Boro's first major trophy in their 128-year existence and he has not looked back since.

He could hardly be blamed for the three goals in the defeat to Birmingham three days after the Carling final and he was in good form in the 1-0 win over Spurs and the 1-0 defeat at Charlton.

But it was Saturday's return fixture with Steve Bruce's Blues when he really showed his worth.

Schwarzer made five top class saves - four in the opening half alone - and they ensured that Boro moved back into the top ten by claiming all three points in the eight goal thriller.

And McClaren has been left admiring his keeper's talents. He said: "He is one of the top keepers in the Premiership and I don't think there is a keeper I would swap him for.

"The top players have to be mentally tough and he is. Everybody makes mistakes and Mark reacted fantastically to his disappointment in Cardiff and he has hardly made a mistake since then."

Since that Sunday under the Millennium Stadium roof, Boro have been hit and miss - two defeats and two wins in four outings.

Boro have nine games remaining and, despite a place in the UEFA Cup next season already assured, McClaren is determined to ensure his players achieve their highest top-flight finish.

The Teessiders are three points adrift of eighth-placed Aston Villa, while eight points shy of the top four.

Schwarzer admits that, initially, it was difficult for the squad to focus on their league duties after the Cup joy, but he is convinced the true Middlesbrough is about to stand up.

And the Australian international hopes to see Boro build on the incredible 5-3 win over Birmingham at Everton this Saturday when he will come up against teenage sensation Wayne Rooney.

"It has been difficult for us all to concentrate after the Carling Cup because nobody at the club has been in the position of having won a major tournament before," said the 32-year-old, who signed from Bradford for £1.5m in 1997.

"To bounce back straight away was always going to be difficult and we were not at the races when we played Birmingham straight after the final. But you have got to get back to business and get on with your jobs and I think that's what we have started to do."

Unfortunate Andrew Davies is determined to bounce back stronger than ever next season. The 19-year-old suffered a double leg break in last week's reserve game against Blackburn Rovers.

And England Under-21 international Davies said: "I'm gutted to have the injury but, looking on the positive side.

"I will have the summer to rehabilitate. My target is to be fit for pre-season training and I'm hoping to be able to walk again in the next few weeks."

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