Middlesbrough 0 Ipswich 0

DAVID STOCKDALE mounted a strong case for the defence as Ipswich happily swapped dirty dozens for clean sheets.

Back-to-back shut-outs from the Tractor Boys denied unbeaten Boro Championship top spot.

It also helped banish memories of last month's nightmare spell where Paul Jewell's men shipped 12 goals in two games.

Boro transfer target Jason Scotland almost grabbed all three points but his second-half shot struck a post.

Stockdale was happy with another clean sheet to add to the one against Coventry.

The 26-year-old keeper, on loan from Fulham, admits the 12-goal salvo took some getting over.

He said: "To get a point and a clean sheet at the Riverside shows how we've turned it round."

Despite failing to oust Craven Cottage No 1 Mark Schwarzer, Stockdale's career is on the up, and he was on the England bench for the recent Euro 2012 double-header against Bulgaria and Wales.

He did his international hopes no harm in front of England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence.

He denied Boro striker Scott McDonald more than once as Paul Jewell's men stood firm.

Stockdale added: "It was nice to keep a clean sheet in front of Ray.

"I still feel like the new boy with England but every time I link up with them I look to impress."

Boro keeper Carl Ikeme also excelled — posting a third straight league clean sheet with saves from Scotland and a brilliant first-half reaction block to thwart Michael Chopra.

The on-loan Wolves keeper insisted: "I don't remember where the ball hit me for the Chopra save. I was happy to see it bounce off me."

SUN STAR MAN JASON SCOTLAND (Ipswich). A real threat.

Dave Ward (The Sun)