Reports: Lack Of Games Could Force Westwood Out

In a debate which has raged for most of last season and ran into the summer too over who will start in goal for Sunderland this season between Simon Mignolet and Keiren Westwood, the Irish 'keeper has shed a little light on the situation according to reports.

Many expect Simon Mignolet to take the starting spot as he did for the majority of last season, but it is quite a close call to make. Mignolet probably has more upside, and Westwood more experience, but as far as where they are now - they're both at around the same level.

In speaking with the Irish Independent, Westwood has made his intentions clear - play me, or I could be off;

Of course I need to play, and if I don't play it's something I will have to assess. My main aim is to get into Sunderland's team. I went back and had a good preseason. It's up to the gaffer now.

Having recently been installed as the new No.1 for Ireland following Shay Given's retirement, and having a great game in his first game since then against Serbia, Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has stressed he'll only keep the shirt if he's playing regularly for his club.

Westwood returned early from a post-season break, which will no doubt have done his cause the world of good having fallen out of favour at New Year. If you recall back then, Mignolet was forced to return to the team with a broken nose and cheek against Manchester City as Westwood sat out with a cold.

That's all water under the bridge now of course, but this battle is bound to be something that Martin O'Neill and (Goalkeeping Coach) Seamus McDonagh have watched closely this summer, and they have a tough call to make between the two talented 'keepers.