Westwood out to challenge Given
Keiren Westwood
Sunderland new boy Keiren Westwood will use his elevation to the Barclays Premier League to challenge Shay Given for his Ireland place.
The 26-year-old keeper, along with Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson, have completed a free transfer move to the Stadium of Light after signing a three-year deal.
Westwood told SAFC TV: "Shay Given is an amazing goalkeeper and he has dominated the goalkeeping situation for Ireland for many years now. That's another challenge that I have been chipping away at for the last couple of years, and hopefully playing in the Premier League will make it a bit of a challenge for him."
Westwood, who has seven senior caps to date, will go head-to-head with Belgium international Simon Mignolet for the number one spot at his new club at the start of next season with £9million man Craig Gordon sidelined by a knee injury.
The Scotland international's future has been the subject of some speculation with his contract entering its final year, and the newcomer will hope to have made himself central to manager Steve Bruce's plans by the time he is ready to return.
Bruce said: "Keiren has proven to be an exceptional goalkeeper both in the Championship and at international level and he has certainly been one of the best in this country outside of the Premier League in recent seasons.
"We are obviously delighted that Keiren sees his future here at Sunderland, and we are looking forward to him joining what is a talented group of goalkeepers at the club."
