Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen is determined to fight for his place at Aston Villa.
Villa keeper admits he is now third choice
Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen is determined to fight for his place at Aston Villa despite admitting he has slipped to third in the pecking order.
The Denmark international suffered a knee injury during the club's pre-season trip to North America and has seen loan signing Scott Carson take over as No.1 with Stuart Taylor acting as his deputy.
But Carson's red card in the 4-1 defeat by Manchester United means he will be suspended for Sunday's Premier League trip to Bolton, throwing the door open for Taylor and Sorensen to replace him.
And the former Sunderland keeper proved his worth with a clean sheet for the reserves as Villa's second string cruised to a 6-0 victory over Chelsea.
Professional
Sorensen told the Birmingham Mail: "This is a massive challenge for me now. I'm third in the pecking order, so there's a fair way to go.
"But I'm a professional. I'll get my head down, work hard and see where that takes me. A lot of things can happen and I have to make sure I prepare as well as I can. If I'm needed, I'll be there.
"I've said all along that I am here to fight for my place. I will do my absolute best and I think anyone who sees me in training can see that."
And Sorensen is more than happy to turn out for the reserves as it helps keep him fit and provides important match practice should he be called upon by manager Martin O'Neill.
Patient
He added: "Anything can happen in football. You just have to be patient and wait for your chance. I'll see what happens.
"I'm training full pelt and I've been doing that for quite a while now. So, I'll do anything to impress and hopefully I can force my way back in.
"Playing for the reserves gives me the chance to get back out there, to get my bearings, make a few saves and get important match practice."
Striker Marlon Harewood grabbed a hat-trick for the reserves as he continues to press for a first-team return while Patrik Berger was also back in action after injury.
