Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Alnwick is determined to keep his place in the team.
Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Alnwick is determined to keep his place in the team.The 18-year-old was handed his Premiership debut against Arsenal last weekend in place of Kelvin Davis.
Alnwick impressed at Highbury and he is hoping he has done enough to earn a run in the side.
"I found out I was playing two days before the Arsenal game and I was nervous," said Alnwick.
"I want to play every week, but Kelvin will be determined to come back."
Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy insists fans' criticism of Davis played no part in his decision to leave out the shot-stopper.
Davis came under fire from Sunderland fans following his display in the 4-1 defeat to Portsmouth, but McCarthy is adamant he was not swayed in his thinking by the supporters.
"If anyone thinks I was bowing to people booing Kelvin Davis, they are totally wrong," said McCarthy.
"Up until Thursday, I was nearly my bloody-minded self and was going to play Kelvin.
"In the end, I did it for the right reasons. I think Kelvin needed it for his own sake."
