MIDDLESBROUGH midfielder Jonathan Greening believes manager Steve McClaren should not drop in-form goalkeeper Mark Crossley.

Since Mark Schwarzer left to try to help Australia qualify for the World Cup, Crossley has been a revelation.

The Welshman's handling on crosses has been spot on and he has made important saves to ensure he has not conceded a goal.

Greening admits that it would be unfair on the 32-year-old if Schwarzer were recalled straight back into the side.

"Crossley has done really well," said the 22-year-old after Saturday's 1-0 win at Blackburn. "He made some fantastic saves at Blackburn to keep us in the game. "For the last few games he's been like that. It's going to give the manager a problem because I don't think he can really drop him when he's played so well." Despite singling out Crossley for his display at Ewood Park, the 22-year-old also heaped praise on the defenders who have been so inspirational. "The defenders have been brilliant in the last few games, especially with Paul Ince being out because he's usually our driving force," said Greening. "Gareth (Southgate) and Ugo (Ehiogu) have led us from the back and done really well. It's shown throughout the team."

While Greening was commenting on his teammates' performances, the former Manchester United midfielder had, arguably, his best game in a Boro shirt at Blackburn.

With the suspended Ince returning it could be that the £2m capture is played on one of the flanks at Liverpool on Saturday.

But the former York City man admits he feels he is getting better the more games he gets under his belt with the Riverside club.

He said: "My form's not been bad and it's improving with games. I've been playing in the centre of midfield because Incey's been out but he will probably be back next week so I don't know where I will be playing.

"Maybe I have given the gaffer a problem but any team needs someone like Paul Ince so I wouldn't be surprised if he comes straight back in." Greening admitted his pass which led to Alen Boksic scoring was a little fortunate.

"The goal was a bit lucky but we deserved it because we played well. I slid Alen through and they collided and it just went up and in," he added. "At first I thought it was going over the bar but it went in so I was happy."

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