Mannone keen to keep starting spot

Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone has warned Wojciech Szczesny he will have to fight to reclaim his place in the starting 11.

The Italian shot-stopper has kept a clean sheet in both his appearances against Stoke and Liverpool this season while deputising for the injured Szczesny.

The Polish goalkeeper is expected to be fit for Arsenal’s game against Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 5.

But Mannone’s impressive performances could see him retain his place between the sticks.

“I just roll up my sleeves and try to work because I know I can do well,” he told the club’s website.

“When you are number one, you feel important and like the happiest man in the world, that sort of feeling gives me the chance to go onto the pitch with confidence.

“I would like to be involved more and more and establish myself.”

Mannone is relishing competing with Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski this season, and believes the added competition will benefit all three keepers.

“It is a good fight between the keepers because we know the level is quite high and you need to keep working and improve yourself to get the first spot,” he said.