Mannone wary of emerging Pickford

Posted Thursday, July 28, 2016 by Foxsports.com

Mannone wary of emerging Pickford
Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone says he is relishing the prospect of battling it out with Jordan Pickford for the first-team gloves this coming season.

Sunderland goalkeeper have had torrid times in recent seasons as they've battled at the wrong end of the table and it takes real mental strength to survive the battering and onslaught from fans and English media.

However, the Black Cats have two outstanding goalkeepers vying for the same position as the head into the new Premier League season with the former Arsenal man and 22-year-old academy graduate Pickford.

Mannone who played 20 games during their relegation scrap last season says he intends to impress new manager David Moyes and keep the England youth international on the bench.

"It is my job, I did well last year and I got the jersey and it is down to me to maintain it," he told the Echo.

"That is the job I am in, I am glad there has always been someone behind me to push me because I work even harder – that is the best feeling.

"The secret is the work, in my life I learned that. If you keep working and believing in yourself then you can achieve good things. I enjoy the battle.

"We have a good relationship and fight for the spot, as it is supposed to be in every club," he added.

"I am glad I'm in the position at the moment and want to work hard to maintain it and improve myself."

Mannone who signed a new two-year deal in the summer has played has kept 23 clean sheets in 75 Premier league games since making his debut for Arsenal in 2006.