Few players have made more impressive debuts than Schwarzer did in the Coca-Cola Cup semi-final at Stockport last season. He was immediately marked down by the Middlesborough fans as an exceptional keeper, though a broken leg unfortunately forced the Aussie out of the action after only a few games.

Formerly Bradford City's record signing at £350,000, the Australian International moved to The Riverside for £1.5 million on February 21st 1997, after only six months with the Bantams. He consistently shone at the Pulse stadium Valley Parade behind a defense that was at best shaky. Missed a large chunk of games towards the end of last season with a shin injury, but when fit, he will also be pushing for a place in the Australian squad. Looks to have won the fierce battle for the No. 1 Jersey at 'Boro.

Mark Schwarzer is the latest in an increasingly long list of Australian players who are making a name for themselves in the Premiership. Arrived in England from Germany's Bundesliga, he signed for Bradford City having turned down a move to Manchester City, starring in their FA Cup win against Everton. Schwarzer has been capped six times by Australia and is seen as the main rival of Aston Villa's Mark Bosnich.