BRAD JONES admits he'd love to be on the plane to South Africa with Australia this summer - but he says earning a place in Gordon Strachan's starting line-up is his number one priority.

Australia were among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup finals and Jones and his compatriot Rhys Williams are both hoping to be involved in what could be the chance of a lifetime.

However, while he'd love to oust number one choice and former Boro team-mate Mark Schwarzer, Jones has his sights firmly set on domestic affairs for the time being.

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"I've just go to concentrate on playing well for Boro," he said. "It would be brilliant to go to the World Cup finals, but it would be better to win promotion with Middlesbrough.

"Right now, I'm just concentrating on doing well for the club. Being out there playing is what I'm here for.

"Coyney has come in and shown what he's all about and that competition for places in all positions can only be good."

Brad Jones, left, and Danny Coyne - Original photos-North News and Pictures

Jones says there's been a change in the mood at Rockliffe Park since Strachan's arrival and he's enjoying the challenge of impressing the new manager.

"He's no-nonsense," he said. "He told us what he wants and he's shown us what he's all about. He wants to be in amongst it.

"Maybe he's going to rattle a few people and take them out of the comfort zone, which is a good thing. Nobody knows if they are going to play so training has been intense.

"He's obviously got his sense of humour, but for the boys it's all about getting down to business."

And while he doesn't think there's too much wrong with the current squad, he acknowledges that having a man of Strachan's experience at the helm can only help the club.

"He's going to change a few things, as you'd expect, and he's been putting his way of playing over to us," he said.

"But we're at the right end of the league so it's just tweeking little bits here or there.

"He's got a fairly confident bunch of lads to work with."