GOALKEEPING coach Stephen Pears says Mark Schwarzer will concentrate on helping secure Boro's safety before any decisions are made on his own future.

The Australian international is out of contract this summer and there remains continued speculation over whether he will extend his stay on Teesside.

But Boro legend Pears insists nothing has been decided yet, despite reports linking him with a move away from the club.

"We're not sure what Mark's future is here at the moment and that won't be decided until after the last game of the season.

"Our Premier League status is not secure yet and that is our main focus. The players are hurting, the fans are hurting and we need to put it right on Saturday.

"We won't know anything about Mark until after the Manchester City game and we will assess the situation when that happens."

Schwarzer has missed the last two games with a back problem and with Ross Turnbull picking up a similar injury in training last week; Brad Jones stepped into the team at the 11th hour.

But Pears believes that if Schwarzer does leave the club, Gareth Southgate need look no further than his two current understudies.

"Brad has made two starts, all at the beginning of the season, and with the injuries he's had to his thigh and his finger it was a big ask to throw him straight in there.

"It's a huge pressure as a goalkeeper to play in the Premier League but Brad is no young lad anymore, he's 26, although he hasn't had that much experience, maybe only 30 games.

"Ross is the same, he's probably only played 20. But we have to have a look at the goalkeeping situation depending on what happens with Mark.

"Both are very good and have different attributes and qualities to one another. I feel they have a lot to give this football club if they can carry on improving."