Thomas Sorensen is working on his game just in case Tony Pulis decides to sign a new goalkeeper.
Potters number one not concerned if Pulis brings in another keeper
Thomas Sorensen is determined to work hard to improve his game over the summer, just in case Stoke manager Tony Pulis decides to bring in a new goalkeeper.
The 33-year-old's position as the Potters number one should, in all likelihood, not be under threat after an impressive first season at the Britannia Stadium.
However, the Denmark international knows he must avoid complacency and insists he is always monitoring which players the club are linked with.
No matter who arrives in the Potteries in the coming weeks, the former Sunderland man is focused on getting even better.
"I don't know if there will be a new goalkeeper or not, that is a decision for the manager," he told
The Sentinel.
Improve yourself
"But you should always look over your shoulder and should always be looking to improve yourself.
"It is nothing I am scared of because if someone comes in, it will just be another challenge.
"Whether new people are coming in or not, you put pressure on yourself to improve anyway. You have to earn the right to play in every game and in every training session."
Sorensen has only just returned for pre-season training having been given extra time off due to his international commitments and he was eager to make up for lost time.
"I had two weeks less than the other players," he added. "But that's part of being an international. Five weeks off is still good and so I cannot complain.
"You always keep setting yourself new targets to better yourself. I will never be happy and never feel complete as a footballer.
"In my last year with Aston Villa I had nothing to play for, but I always kept my spirits high and proved I had the right frame of mind. Now I am keeping that same spirit.
"Hopefully I've got three or four years left at the highest level. I've got two years left on my contract here and you just take it one year at a time.
"We know it will be even harder for us next season because people know what to expect of us. So we have to improve again."
Point to prove
Sorensen points out the resurgence of his good form is down to a desire to prove people wrong, in particular his former manager Martin O'Neill.
The Irishman forced Sorensen to become a mere spectator during his final two years at Aston Villa with the introduction of Scott Carson on loan and Brad Friedel immediately before he departed the club.
"Personally, of course I was happy and with the team too," he stated. "It was a big year for everyone to prove themselves.
"I had something to prove as well. I had to prove that the things that were said and where I ended up wasn't right.
"I feel I was better than the things that were said and that was a big motivating factor for me."
