MIDDLESBROUGH goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is confident the club will be in safe hands when he leaves for a month.

The Boro stopper will play one more game - Saturday's home match with Derby - before joining up with his international teammates.

The Australian, along with Boro midfielder Paul Okon, flies to his home country next Sunday, just hours after the final whistle blows against the Rams.

Schwarzer is in the squad for the much-criticised friendly with France and then a two-legged World Cup play-off against South American opponents.

Despite being away from the North-East for four weeks, Schwarzer is confident Boro boss Steve McClaren has a more than capable replacement in Mark Crossley.

The 29-year-old said:"When I was out through suspension and injury, Mark came in and showed exactly what a good keeper he is.

"I know, and the rest of the team knows, that Mark will come in and do a good job. There's no doubt about that."

McClaren is certain Crossley will come in and perform well, but insists that Schwarzer will be a big miss in his current form.

"I thought Schwarzer was absolutley excellent at Spurs," said McClaren. " He was commanding in the box and I just felt he dealt with all the crosses which they put into the box.

"Crossing is a strong part of Tottenham's game and when you have Ziege whipping balls in for 90 minutes then you need a strong keeper.

"We knew Mark could do that and, as I say, he was brilliant. He has been in most of the games he has played this season."

FIFA recommended that Aussie boss Frank Farina should only select one player from each club for the France game.

But despite both Okon and Schwarzer being called up, McClaren understands the need for the players to go and represent their country.

"All players want to go and play in the World Cup," said McClaren, who is also an England coach. "That is what all players want to achieve.

"Playing in a World Cup finals is the greatest achievement for any player, and I understand Paul and Mark's willingness to try to qualify for the World Cup.

"The rules state that we have to release them and as long as Australia say they want them we have to abide by that.

"We wish both of them all the success and I hope they do qualify because there will be nothing greater than seeing two Middlesbrough players, along with Alen Boksic and a couple more playing in that World Cup."

Okon has only made two substitue appearances since McClaren took over, and it has emerged recently that the midfielder has been told to look for another club.

But McClaren maintains the former Fiorentina star has been a good professional and there would be no doubt in the manager's mind over playing him in the middle of the pitch.

"I would have no hesitation in playing Paul Okon," said McClaren, who revealed there has been no interest in the player. "At the moment he is not in our team but he has a chance of doing something for Australia.

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