RETURNING goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has declared himself fit to face Blackburn Rovers today but he is by no means guaranteed his place in Middlesbrough's starting line-up.

At the start of the season Schwarzer was Boro's automatic choice between the posts.

But now, after more than four months out, the Aussie stopper faces a fight for his place. The 29-year-old, who has been out with a hernia injury since returning from international duty with Australia, could find himself on the bench in this afternoon's FA Cup fifth round tie at the Riverside.

During Schwarzer's absence Mark Crossley has been in tremendous form and he has kept nine clean sheets during his time as Boro's No 1. And manager Steve McClaren admitted yesterday that Crossley has forced him into a selection problem.

"Both keepers are fit and Mark Crossley has performed magnificently," said McClaren. "Really he has been a major, major plus for us.

"He has given Mark Schwarzer longer time than usual to recover from his hernia and both keepers now tell me they are ready to play.

"I have made up my mind who is playing but I'm not saying who because it would be unfair to the players."

Schwarzer has not played since the 5-1 success at home to Derby on November 3, and Crossley has proved a more than able deputy.

But team selection is going to be more difficult for McClaren in other areas of the pitch with so many players either ruled out or doubtful.

Top-scorer Alen Boksic is doubtful after missing Croatia's international with Bulgaria in midweek with flu, while Paul Ince (back) and Phil Stamp (shoulder) are also doubtful.

Jonathan Greening and Gianluca Festa are suspended and Benito Carbone is cup-tied.

Youngsters Stewart Downing and Luke Wilkshire have been drafted into the squad and will join left-back David Murphy. Regardless of the team McClaren puts out against Graeme Souness' side, who eliminated Boro from the Worthington Cup this season, the former Manchester United No 2 knows how difficult a test his side have in front of them.

And McClaren, who would love to have beaten Souness in the race to sign striker Andy Cole, admits the Scot was too quick in capturing the ex-Newcastle man.

"There's many negotiations that go on before it leaks out to people and obviously it had been set up quickly," said McClaren.

"Blackburn jumped in there quickly and it's been a good move for both them and him. We didn't try to sign him because they were too quick for us."

Meanwhile, McClaren admitted he is still waiting to hear from midfielder Muzzy Izzet, who is pondering a £6m move to Teesside.

"A fee has been agreed with Leicester and we are in the middle of negotiations with the player and his agent at the moment, which could go on over the weekend, and I think we can come to a decision on Monday,'' McClaren said.

''But nothing is concrete with that at the moment. We opened discussions yesterday, and we're concentrating on the Cup game tomorrow.

''It's delicate at the moment, as all negotiations are with players and agents nowadays.

''Hopefully something can be sorted out. We are most of the way there, it's just details.''

Izzet, who could bring to an end a six-year stint at Filbert Street, has indicated he has a lot to consider. He said: ''I need a couple of days to decide what to do.

''I went up to Middlesbrough and listened to what they had to say. I am undecided. I will talk things over with my family and let Middlesbrough know in a couple of days.

''I have not said yes or no to them, but I was impressed by Steve McClaren , who seems a good bloke, and the training facilities.

''Nothing has been decided. I know Middlesbrough are in a similar position to Leicester, but they have said certain things to me and I want some time to think them over.''

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