Ashdown ready for fight

By Patrick Goss  

Ashdown ready for fight

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Jamie Ashdown believes that he can keep his place in the Portsmouth side ahead of Sander Westerveld.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper was brought in to replace summer signing Westerveld for the 1-0 victory over Everton at the weekend, winning rave reviews for his performance.

Ashdown believes that his diligence in working to compete for the number one jersey has helped him, and signalled his desire to hold on to a first team place.

"When you are out of the team it gives you a bit more hunger," said Ashdown.

"In a couple of years I might be the nailed on number one, but at the moment I've got to work very hard.

"When a fresh keeper comes in with something different to you, you look at your own game and try to improve.

"I struggled with everything for the first week after losing my place and then I knuckled down, got on with things, accepted it and worked harder.

"I did not expect to get back in the team so soon but now I am I'm determined to stay there."