Praise For Jones After Rare Start

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Australian goalkeeper Brad Jones won praise after an outstanding display between the sticks for Middlesbrough in their 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers.

Jones, who hadn't played in the league since the opening day of the season, came into the Boro side at the expense of regular number one Ross Turnbull, who was at fault for Chelsea's second goal in Middlesbrough's midweek defeat to the Blues.

And the 26-year-old Australian shotstopper proved his worth with several outstanding saves in the contest including a number of crucial interventions late in the match which ultimately earned Boro a much-needed point.

His performance drew praise from Boro gaffer Gareth Southgate who admitted: "I thought Brad Jones in goal has made some fantastic saves for us to make sure we got the point in the end."

But Jones also won a compliment from frustrated Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce who added: "The keeper has pulled off some good saves today.

"We got probably the best chance of the game right at the very end. Jason Roberts' header but I have to say it was a terrific save."

Jones started the match well when he denied Blackburn's Keith Andrews on 20 minutes before another good save in the first-half. The Boro shot-stopper produced an unorthodox save with his feet to deny Roque Santa Cruz's swinging shot just before the break.

Middlesbrough struggled to control Blackburn, who were the much more likely of the two sides to break through in the contest.

And Jones was clearly the busier of the two keepers, especially late in the match when he did well to deny efforts from David Dunn and Roberts.

Roberts's late chance was a glorious opportunity for Rovers to win the game, but Jones's save not only helped Middlesbrough hang onto a crucial point in the relegation dogfight but also enhanced his chances of holding onto his first-team spot at the Riverside.