Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland has set his sights on establishing himself as the club's first choice between the sticks next season.
Teenage goalkeeper hoping Hughton will give him a chance
Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland has set his sights on establishing himself as the club's first-choice between the sticks next season.
Butland has impressed while on loan at League Two Cheltenham Town this term, reportedly alerting clubs in the Premier League to his talents.
However the 19-year-old, who was named on standby for England's Euro 2012 squad, is focused on claiming the gloves at St Andrew's despite having never played a game for Chris Hughton's side.
The keeper, who has also been tipped for a spot in the Great Britain squad for this summer's London Olympics, told the
Birmingham Mail: "That's the target: I want to be the number one, I want to be playing.
"Hopefully this season I have done enough and shown enough and what have you to convince the manager.
"Yes, it is ultimately down to me, I know that. I am confident in my ability.
Decision
"I can make the decision as hard or as easy as possible, depending on how I play, for Chris Hughton.
"I hope I have a good pre-season, get in the best possible shape, and make it impossible for him not to pick me.
"I'm gearing everything towards next season and trying to prove to the manager that I deserve to be number one."
It remains to be seen which keeper Hughton will turn to next term, with his decision likely to depend on the whereabouts of Ben Foster and Boaz Myhill.
Foster spent the season on loan at West Brom, while Boaz Myhill came the other way from the Baggies.
Colin Doyle is out of contract this summer and is keen to secure regular football.
