Schwarzer Withdraws Transfer Request

Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has withdrawn his transfer request and will remain at Middlesbrough after all.

Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has withdrawn his transfer request and will remain at Middlesbrough after all.

Earlier this month, Schwarzer (pictured right) had handed in a transfer request, which Boro manager Steve McLaren reluctantly agreed to. However after discussions between the pair, Schwarzer will remain at the club for the foreseeable future.

"After having a discussion with the manager (Steve McClaren), I have decided to put everything behind me and withdraw my transfer request," Schwarzer told the club's official website.

"I want to help Boro climb the table and finish the season on as big a high as possible. The priority is to move away from the relegation positions, but we're also still in the UEFA and FA Cups, so there's plenty to play for."

"I want to be part of all that, so I am happy to stay with the club and concentrate on the job in hand."

His decision though did not mean he automatically came back into the Middlesbrough team for the home game against Wigan Athletic, as he again remained on the bench for understudy, fellow Australian Brad Jones.

It was another miserable night for Boro, as they lost 3-2 with Qantas Socceroo striker Mark Viduka, who himself is the subject of a move to Everton, was replaced at half time. For Wigan, both John Filan and Josip Skoko remained on the bench.

Qantas Socceroo Tim Cahill played a pivotal role in Everton-s upset 1-0 win over Arsenal, supplying an exquisite pass for James Beattie to race onto and score the only goal of the game in the 12th minute.

It was a good afternoon for Qantas Socceroo defender Stan Lazaridis, who played a full game, as Birmingham City won 5-0 against Portsmouth that lifted them a place above their opponent and boosted their relegation problems.

Qantas Socceroo Lucas Neill played a full game, while Brett Emerton came on with five minutes to go, as Blackburn Rovers won 1-0 away at Newcastle United.

In the League Championship, Qantas Socceroo Joel Griffiths was unable to make his Leeds United debut, as he did not receive his international clearance in time.

Patrick Kisnorbo was replaced by fellow Aussie James Wesolowski, returning after breaking his leg in the pre-season, in the 77th minute, as Leicester City-s miserable run continued, losing 2-1 at home against Cardiff City.

Meanwhile Jamie Coyne was again at the heart of Luton Town-s defence as they won 2-0 at home against QPR, while Paul Reid was substituted in the 59th minute, as Brighton lost 3-1 to Sheffield United.

In lower league news, Richard Garcia provided the highlight, coming off the bench for Colchester United and scoring two goals to in their 2-1 win against Port Vale.

In Scotland, Danny Invincibile continued on his goal scoring form of late, with the lone goal in Kilmarnock-s 1-0 win over Hearts.