AUSSIE goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer would love nothing more than to fulfil a childhood dream and play in an FA Cup final.

The Middlesbrough star will be in goal when Steve McClaren's men travel to Arsenal this afternoon for the fourth-round tie.

And Boro's No 1 has always wanted to make an appearance in the climax of the world-famous competition, especially after being ineligible to play when the Teessiders last reached the final in 1997.

Schwarzer, who will have been at the Riverside club seven years next month, was signed by Bryan Robson from Bradford during that season but had to watch from the sidelines.

And the 31-year-old SocceRoo said: "It's a fantastic competition and one you look forward to playing in every year.

"I know I'm not from this country but it was always special for me. Back in Australia we used to religiously watch the final and it was always a great evening.

"I always dreamed of playing in that final and unfortunately the first year I came I couldn't because I was cup-tied. But being there was something special.

"The whole occasion was tremendous. You see all the balloons and fireworks around you. The stadium and the two different colours just makes for a fantastic day.

"Middlesbrough have never won any silverware and it would be fantastic to bring back some to this town because it really needs it."

Boro's failure to win a major trophy in their 129-year existence is something the current playing staff would love to rectify.

After today's match Schwarzer, who was part of the side that lost to Chelsea in the Coca-Cola Cup in 1998, will then focus on Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final with Arsenal at the Riverside.

And the Australian admits winning the trophy and qualifying for the UEFA Cup would be tremendous for Boro. "I was fortunate to be a part of the Coca-Cola Cup run and it's fantastic the whole buzz that goes around the club," he said. "Next week will be a perfect opportunity for us to reach a final and if we get there then it is the perfect chance to get into Europe.

"For this club to get into Europe is a massive thing for the whole town. But we know that we are only at the half-way stage and have an FA Cup game first."

Schwarzer also admits he is pleased to see star striker Thierry Henry will be missing for Arsenal - whose only domestic defeat this season was Boro's 1-0 win at Highbury this week - when Boro face the league leaders today.

"Arsenal are phenomenal. We lost 4-1 in the league two weeks ago and there were lots of doubts about ourselves because we did not play too well," said the Boro shot-stopper.

"But I would like to think we have learned from that day and we will be keen to enjoy another performance Henry is a phenomenal player. You never know what he is going to do with the ball. That's what it is all about and it is little wonder he is regarded as one of the best in the world because his pace is also so frightening."

Read more about Middlesbrough here.