MIDDLESBROUGH goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer claims he is in no rush to leave the club.

This week the Australian, currently preparing for his country's World Cup second-leg play-off with Uruguay on Sunday, talked of his intentions to play in Europe at club level.

Since his comments were publicised Boro manager Steve McClaren revealed his delight at the player's ambition, and the former Manchester United No 2 is hopeful Schwarzer can fulfil those dreams on Teesside.

The former Bradford City keeper, who signed for £1.5m nearly five years ago, has now indicated he is happy at Boro and does not wish to leave just yet.

The 29-year-old's agent, Barry Silkman, said: "Like any player, of course Mark wants to play in Europe.

"But at this moment he is a Middlesbrough player, for the foreseeable future he is a Middlesbrough player and, unless they decide to sell him or someone comes in with a good offer which they can't refuse, he will stay."

It had been suggested in many circles that the shot-stopper had, or was about to, shock Boro by demanding a move.

But Silkman said: "He has definitely not put in a transfer request."

The news will come as a massive relief to McClaren, who sees Schwarzer as a vital part of his Riverside revolution.

In the Socceroo keeper's absence Mark Crossley has done well when he has been called upon, but Schwarzer remains the manager's first choice.

Boro teammate Ugo Ehiogu is convinced that McClaren is beginning to see all his hard work on the training ground, since taking over in the summer, finally pay off.

After starting the season miserably and finding themselves bottom of the pile, Boro have lost just two League games in nine since winning 2-0 against West Ham on September 15.

And Ehiogu is adamant there is still more to come from them.

"We are starting to be hard to beat and we are now certainly a lot more solid," said Ehiogu, whose side entertain Ipswich on Sunday.

"That's what we have to strive to achieve.

"It was a frustrating start to the season for us but we are now beginning to show our true strengths.

"It took time because we did have a few new players and they took time to settle in.

"We are all working together now and I think we can only continue to get better.

"I said we needed a few more players in quite recently and I have not changed my mind on that.

"It's important that you keep on top of what you are trying to achieve and the manager's plans are starting to reflect on the side he puts out on a match-day."

Meanwhile, Boro defender Gianluca Festa made his comeback for the reserves at Bolton Wanderers last night.

The 32-year-old has been struggling since tearing a groin muscle last season and also underwent a hernia repair in the summer.

But Festa made his return at the Reebok Stadium

Read more about the Boro here.