Kusz happy to fight for No.1 shirt

TOMASZ Kuszczak insists he is relishing the competition for Birmingham City’s No. 1 shirt.

The Pole (pictured) has played the last five matches – which have included two of Blues’ three Championship clean sheets this season, after starting the campaign on the bench.

David Stockdale was initially installed as first-choice goalkeeper following his surprise summer arrival at St Andrew’s.

However, Kuszczak claims he was not shocked by the decision to bring Stockdale on a free transfer from Brighton, even though it came just a few weeks after he signed a new contract.

“I have got used to it. It’s normal, every club has competition,” he said.

“We have got two senior goalkeepers at Birmingham City and Connal [Trueman] and Jake [Weaver] – young goalkeepers.

“Most clubs have got four senior goalkeepers. It’s not a surprise for me that the club brought in another goalkeeper to increase the competition.

“We know how long and tough the season is, I grew up with competition, I always fight for my position, it doesn’t matter which club I play for.

“I like that, it’s natural to fight for my place and I will keep doing that and I hope it is going to be enough to play all season long for Blues.”

Stockdale played the first eight league matches before injuring his wrist in training.

Kuszczak has come in and was involved in the 1-1 draw at Derby in his first match back. He also played in the 1-0 home wins against Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff and the away-day losses at Hull and Millwall.

He has made 87 appearances since also joining as a free agent in the summer of 2015.

Blues have announced a partnership with UE Cornella that will see young players given training and loan opportunities with the Spanish outfit.

The initiative, instigated by Blues’ chief executive Xuandong Ren, will also facilitate pre-season trips and give the club’s development coaches exposure to Spanish methods.

Indeed Blues’ senior professional development coach Richard Beale has taken four promising youngsters out to the Catalan side this week.

Under-23s Remeao Hutton and Charlie Lakin will train with the Cornella first team, while academy prospects Connor Stanley and Remi Walker will gain experience with their Under-18s.

Cornella play in the Segunda Division B, the third tier in Spain.