Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon has accepted that he will have to perform well in training to hold down a first-team place at the Stadium of Light.

Pantilimon spent the majority of last season as the deputy to Joe Hart at Manchester City, but while he expects more playing time at the Black Cats, he has admitted that he and Vito Mannone are well-matched as they each bid to start the season in the number-one position.

The 27-year-old told the club's official website: "We are different keepers but we both have good skills, I have my qualities and Vito has his own but we will both work hard to improve.

"It is good for clubs to have two good goalkeepers and it is normal for everyone to work hard for a place in the team, so we will both fight for the position."

Sunderland begin the season with a trip to The Hawthorns to play West Bromwich Albion.

Written by
Darren Plant