David Richards says he will be firmly focussed on wrestling the number one shirt away from Ben Garratt next season.

The Welshman made his long-awaited professional debut away at Coventry City during the last campaign and he went to make 14 appearances before suffering a thigh injury at Swindon Town to let Garratt reclaim his place for the second half of the campaign.

It was an intriguing battle between the two goalkeepers and after having a taste of first-team football, Richards is determined to gain more playing time during the new season.

He told us: “I am looking forward to getting back for pre-season and knocking on the door for the number one shirt. That is the aim. That is the goal.

“I’ve had a taste of it and I want more of it. I want to push myself and compete for the number one. Competition is good and gets the best out of everyone. You need that and it will be an equal playing field when we get back.

“The gaffer is not afraid to leave people out. You know that you have to play well or he will put someone in. He is good for that and if you take your chance and play well then you stay in the team. He is fair on that.”