James Talbot has set his sights on cementing himself as Sunderland under-23s’ No.1 this season.
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The Black Cats begin their Premier League 2 campaign tonight, welcoming North London club Tottenham Hotspur to Eppleton Colliery Welfare, kick-off 7pm.
For Talbot, it will be the start of his third season in the development squad, and one that he is hoping to further his career in by becoming a regular fixture in the starting XI.
And speaking to safc.com, the Republic of Ireland stopper also heralded the hectic pre-season schedule, insisting facing tough opposition will help them to hit the ground running from the first whistle.
“We are all buzzing for it because we left Porto at the end of last season disappointed,” he said.
“We have since come back with a new group which is young and hungry. We have plenty of fight in there and we are just focused on trying to have a good season now.
“It has been frustrating over the last few seasons to be on the bench because when I have played I have felt as though I have done quite well.
“I have worked hard over the summer to give myself the best chance, I’m in good shape and I’ve done ok over pre-season – I’m just hoping to be No.1 in the season now.
“We have got a good selection of ‘keepers around the under-23s with Max Stryjek and Michael Woud providing plenty of competition.
“It is healthy and it gives you a reason to get your head down and work harder each day,” he continued.
“Pre-season has been a good test for everyone and we have played against men which has helped us because we are a young group.
“The tempo has been high and the games have had a competitive edge which makes it better for us because we are all raring for Friday.”
