'I want to be city's No 1'

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Wednesday 29th Jun 2005.

Russell Howarth has thrown down the gauntlet to goalkeeping rival Donovan Ricketts.

Howarth played second fiddle at York and Tranmere - and intends to push the Jamaican all the way for the City starting spot.

Paul Henderson stole a pre-season march on Ricketts a year ago by forcing his way into the side after a superb display against Bolton. Now his replacement is itching to do the same.

Howarth will start the friendlies because Ricketts is away on international duty and he said: "If I impress, then there's a chance I can become No 1.

"By doing well, I might be able to make the shirt my own.

"You saw what can happen last year and hopefully it will again. But I'm still only 23 so there is a lot of time on my side."

Howarth had few chances to shine with Tranmere, where he was stuck behind John Achterberg.

He played against Ricketts last

season in the reserves and said: "I know who he is but have never met him properly.

"But I played with a couple of his Jamaican colleagues at Tranmere and if he's anything like them, he likes sleeping a lot and generally being laid-back!

"I've no regrets about going to Tranmere because I'm a much better keeper than when I first went there. John was a very good keeper and I picked up a lot from training with him.

"But I never really got a proper chance, which bugs me. I never

had an out-and-out run in the team without the pressure of someone coming back from injury behind me.

"I thought I did okay when I played and the results were fine, so this standard of football doesn't hold any problems for me at all."

City boss Colin Todd is happy to see his keepers fight it out for the starting role when the campaign opens at Hartlepool. Todd said: "It's always difficult when you aren't playing first-team football, but we're giving Russell the chance to resurrect his career.

"He's going to be playing most of pre-season and it's up to him to earn the right to fight for his place."

Howarth was on the bench as Tranmere lost to Hartlepool on penalties in the play-offs last season. Now he wants to help City go even further.

"I could feel the ambition from talking to the manager and chairman," he said.

"Obviously the club have had a taste of the Premier League, they've got the stadium and the sole aim this year is to get back in the Champion-ship and go on from there.

"Leaving Tranmere was a blow at the time. But in 12 months I could turn round and say it was the best decision that has happened for my career."

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