EMBARRASSED Mark Schwarzer last night spoke of his determination to recapture his best Middlesbrough form after the humiliation of Elland Road.
The Australian goalkeeper was at fault for both goals in the 3-2 win over Leeds United last weekend and now he is focussed on proving he has quickly forgotten about those mistakes at home to Charlton tomorrow.
Schwarzer, who has been impressive for Steve McClaren's men all season, was slow off his line for Mark Viduka's first and then failed to deal with a tame James Milner shot, and Viduka capitalised to tap in his second of the afternoon.
But the former Bradford City shot-stopper believes everyone has their poor days and he is no different.
"No-one likes having a bad game and letting two goals in like that - especially the second which was the most disappointing goal," said the 30-year-old, who has been linked with a move to champions Arsenal this season.
"It was probably the most disappointing goal I have let in all season and for a long while.
"Some players miss a chance when they are only two yards out; others misplace a pass and it leads to a goal; this is what happens in football and the key is to not allow it to happen again."
And Schwarzer admitted that he tries not to listen to criticism, choosing instead to go out and perform well on the field - starting against the Addicks tomorrow.
"One week people praise you and the next they put you down but that's just the way it is," he said.
"If things do go wrong this Saturday then no doubt I will get crucified again. But I'm confident I will play well again. I feel I have had a good season so far."
With eight games to go Boro need to claim maximum points from tomorrow's match if they are to stand any real chance of earning a place in the UEFA Cup next season.
Eleventh-placed Boro are currently four points behind Charlton, who are three places above the Teessiders in the Premiership table. And Schwarzer, who revealed the full squad have discussed their targets for the rest of the campaign, believes it is going to be a difficult task to qualify for Europe.
Earlier this week Northern Echo Sport revealed that Juninho is confident of playing in the UEFA Cup next season.
But Schwarzer, aware his side are unbeaten in five matches, said: "I don't look at the positions. All I know is that we had a meeting at the turn of the year and we set our goals out as to what we wanted to achieve.
"We, collectively, put a little table together for ourselves and we are well ahead of schedule at the moment.
"But every game is difficult in the Premiership, it doesn't matter who you are playing against."
Meanwhile, England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was at Boro's Rockliffe training HQ yesterday and admitted he is looking forward to using the club's facilities in May.
The England squad are set to use the complex, in Hurworth, ahead of the national side's clash with Slovakia at the Riverside on June 1.
And Eriksson said: "Looking at the pitches, they are perfect for training. Absolutely perfect."
Read more about Middlesbrough here.
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