ROSS TURNBULL is loving life as Boro's new number one and is determined to secure a long-term contract.

The England U20 international has shown why Gareth Southgate had so much faith in the youngster by making a series of outstanding saves.

And although Turnbull is thoroughly enjoying his opportunity, he revealed to mfc.co.uk that he would like to sign a new contract very soon.

"My future's here. This is where I want it to be and hopefully I will get it sorted as soon as possible.

"My contract is up at the end of the season so it would be nice to get something sorted.

"I've been here since I was 13 years old and I love it. The fans, the staff, everyone has made me feel very welcome and it's one of those things that I want to get sorted out as soon as possible so I can concentrate on football."

Southgate has already made it clear that he is not concerned about the contract situation and that he expects it to be resolved in the near future.

Turnbull took over the gloves from Brad Jones, who was initially given the nod by the management but dislocated a finger in the warm up before the Liverpool game.

Since then Turnbull has quite literally taken his chance with both hands but he knows Jones is waiting in the wings ready for another outing after his Man of the Match performance at Old Trafford last week.

"A lot's been said about the goalkeeping situation but I think there is pressure in every single position.

"Everyone is playing for their place in the team and if you're not performing then you won't be playing, so it's good for everyone."

Turnbull is looking forward to playing against his old friend Lee Cattermole, a player he has a lot of admiration for.

"He's just a very good footballer. He gave his heart and soul for this football club but he'll want to win just as much as we will.

"He's a winner; he doesn't like sitting around and being on the bench. He likes to be involved and wants to play. You can't help but have admiration for the guy."