MIDDLESBROUGH goalkeeper Danny Coyne has warned team-mate Brad Jones he has not come to the Riverside to be content with a place on the bench.

Coyne completed a free transfer from Tranmere Rovers at the start of last week, and is hoping to make his first Boro appearance in Saturday’s opening pre-season friendly at Macclesfield Town.

While Ross Turnbull has left to join Chelsea, Jones remains to block Coyne’s route to the first team, but while last season’s number one is expected to start next month’s opening Championship game against Sheffield United, Boro’s 35- year-old arrival is determined to make life difficult for him.

“It’s not hard to remain hungry,” said Coyne, who picked up an award as League One’s leading goalkeeper last season. “You get that competitive streak in you and you keep it.

“I’m very hungry, especially when you come to a club like this. I want to do as well as I can and push Brad and Jason (Steele) as far as I can.

“I want to break into the team. I want as much action as I can get. I’m not here to sit on the bench and be happy to do that – I want to push the lads as hard as I can.

“If my chance comes, then great. If it doesn’t, I’ll be there to support the rest of the lads and help them as much as I can.”

Southgate moved for Coyne once Turnbull’s departure was confirmed, and while he admits the Wales international’s experience could aid Jones and Steele’s development, he does not see him as an automatic number two.

“Danny is an experienced international goalkeeper who has played around 400 league games,” said Southgate.

“He’s the type of person we want in this football club – still hungry and still wanting to push for that position as number one. He’s definitely capable of becoming that.

“We felt the right balance would be to get somebody of experience to provide a different type of competition.”