Keiren Westwood is determined to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Sunderland in the 2012/13 Premier League season.
Sunderland goalkeeper keen to impress his manager
Sunderland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood is determined to be the first-choice goalkeeper in the upcoming 2012/13 Premier League campaign.
The 27-year-old faces stiff competition from fellow custodian Simon Mignolet to be No.1 between the posts for Martin O'Neill's side.
Westwood reported for pre-season training a week ahead of schedule despite his Euro 2012 commitment with the Republic of Ireland, and is keen to impress his manager to cement his place in the starting line-up.
"I came back in early because I felt I didn't need as long off," he told the
Sunderland Echo.
"I came in maybe a week before the other internationals because I wanted to get started. Me and Simon both need minutes. We're both training well and training hard and we'll see what happens.
"Simon's a good keeper, a good lad and we get on great. But of course, I want that jersey off him.
Fate
"Regardless of who you are, you have to earn your spot in the team and pre-season is a clean slate for everybody.
"You've got to do the best you can and then if the gaffer picks you at the start of the season then great.
"I'm a big believer in fate and the way things went for me last year just made me stronger mentally to deal with setbacks."
Sunderland will begin their Premier League campaign with an away game against Arsenal on Saturday 18th August.
