OXFORD United goalkeeper Ryan Clarke insists he is not complacent about maintaining his place as Chris Wilder’s No 1 next season.

With the U’s boss needing to replace Simon Eastwood, who has joined FC Halifax, Clarke says he will take nothing for granted when a new stopper comes in.

Although Wilder has already told the Oxford Mail that any keeper is likely to be an understudy, he wants the new man to provide stern competition.

And Clarke is adamant he will not let his standards slip.

“We’re working hard on the keeper situation – seeing who is available,” said Wilder, who still hopes to recruit a midfielder and a striker before their League Two campaign starts away to Rotherham on Saturday, August 6.

“I fully expect the No 2 to push my No 1, but we’re not going to go out and get another No 1.

“I want someone to push Ryan really hard, although he has very good self-motivation anyway.”

Clarke stressed: “There’s no way I think my place is safe.

“I remember when I first came to the club, Billy Turley was the No 1 and held in high regard.

“I had to work very hard to get into the side, and when the gaffer gave me the nod, I knew I had to stay on top of my game.”

He added: “As a keeper, I know it’s more difficult to keep my place. It drives me on to be honest, and I know I have to be a bit selfish.

“I won’t just roll over and let someone else just take my place.

“It’s good that there is competition for places all over the park, and I’m no exception.”

However, Clarke says whoever does come in, he will work with them for the good of the team.

“I’ve never not got on with the other keepers at the club,” he said. “I guess there’s a bit of a ‘keepers union’, and we all stick together.

“Although I obviously want to keep the shirt, it’s good to have someone challenging you for that place and we will push each other on.

“I know that I will need to be on top of my game to stay there.

“I can’t afford to have a dodgy game or make too many mistakes, because there’s always someone else waiting to take your place.”

l OXFORD United are offering companies and supporters the opportunity to sponsor a player on their tour of America.

For around £125 you will receive the player’s signed shirt, a team photograph from the tour signed by Chris Wilder and a Nike T-shirt commemorating the tour.

Go to seacoastunited.org for more information.