Sorensen relishing keeper battle

Aug 11 2006

THOMAS Sorensen is set to go head-to-head with Stuart Taylor for the No1 shirt at Villa this season.

Boss Martin O'Neill has already said that a choice between the two goalkeepers is too close to call.

And Sorensen, former boss David O'Leary's automatic first-choice, says he welcomes the competition from Taylor.

"Stuart has done well in pre-season. There are no question marks about him, he's a very good goalkeeper and he kept three clean-sheets in his first three games.

"So I know that with the new manager I need to prove myself again and I'll do my best. I've got confidence in my ability, so has Stuart. So we'll push each other as we've always done.

"I think we all need that competition. We wouldn't be at this level if we weren't competitors.

"I'd rather have competition than no competition. It's great and we really enjoy each other's company on and off the field.

"We respect each other and we just go at it in training, trying to be the best. That's the way it should be.

"The new season will soon be here and it's a fantastic game to kick-off with - Arsenal in their new stadium.

"We all start with a clean slate and everyone's trying to impress."

* Who should be Villa's first choice keeper? Tell us what you think at www.birminghammail.net/villa/yourshout