Rafael Benitez backs Keylor Navas to prove mettle in Iker Casillas absence

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez has backed goalkeeper Keylor Navas to fill the void left by veteran Iker Casillas between the sticks.

Casillas ended his 16-year senior career at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer by joining Porto, before the Blancos signed Kiko Casilla from Espanyol to rival the Costa Rican.

Nevertheless, Navas was handed the number one shirt by Benitez, who says that the 28-year-old has enough quality to start regularly following the 4-1 pre-season win over Manchester City.

"I think so, yes, we wanted to give him the chance to play and prove himself and he has done well," he told reporters.

"I only need one goalkeeper on each match, and as long as I have one, I'm happy."

Navas, who was signed last summer on the back of an impressive World Cup campaign, started 10 games in all competitions last term.