Simon Mignolet ready to battle Craig Gordon & Keiren Westwood to be Sunderland’s first choice goalkeeper

Mignolet Simon – Sunderland, (Getty Images)

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Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet says he is happy to battle it out with Craig Gordon and Keiren Westwood over who will be Steve Bruce’s first choice goalkeeper at the Stadium of Light next season.

The Belgian was recalled to the first team in January last year after Gordon picked up a knee problem and went on to claim eight clean sheets for the season.

However, with the Black Cats having now brought in Westwood from Coventry City, competition for the No.1 spot at the Stadium of Light promises to be fierce.

Yet Mignolet appears to be relishing the challenge and insists he is going to make the decision as difficult as possible for manager Bruce.

“It won’t be easy for the gaffer to make that decision, but he’s going to have to do that,” the goalkeeper told the Sunderland Echo.

“Hopefully, I will have made it tough for him with my performances last season.

“I was ready for a battle with Craig Gordon at the start of last season. If Craig is fit, it’s a tough decision for the manager.

“Obviously Craig is a good goalie, but I played the majority of games over the season.

“We work hard together in training but then the gaffer has to make a decision on a matchday and I’m sure that’s exactly how it will be next season.”

Sunderland kick off their new campaign on August 13 with a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool.