New keeper be warned: Kelv won't go without a fight (From Daily Echo)

New keeper be warned: Kelv won't go without a fight

11:50am Saturday 14th July 2012 in Saints News

Kelvin Davis has pledged to fight for his place, despite Saints’ intentions to sign at least one new keeper this summer.

The 35-year-old moved to St Mary’s six years ago and has been with the club as they dropped down to the third tier, before enjoying back-to-back promotions into the Premier League.

Davis has been named in the PFA team of the season for three successive years – twice in the League One XI and once in the Championship’s – but his place is now under threat.

Saints have already had a £6m bid for Birmingham’s Jack Butland rejected, and Nigel Adkins has now admitted they plan to sign one, and possibly two, new keepers before the transfer window shuts.

But Davis insists he is not feeling sore about the club’s search for new blood in his position.

“I’d like to think if there is something I see or a bit of advice I can give (to a rival), I would let them know if I thought they’d accept it,” he said.

“I am not too long in the tooth to accept a bit of criticism or help. I’m all for that.

“I think you’ll find with most goalkeepers – and I say most – the case is there is a good team spirit and I am all for that goalkeepers’ union.

“I am a big believer that you train as well as you can and you reach the standard that is your best possible.

“If that is not good enough to get you in the team, then so be it and good luck to the other guy. I’ve always been the same.

“As a goalkeeper there is one position, one shirt, and if I’m not good enough then that’s football.

“I’ll support the club and will continue to do so while I’m here.”

Davis will feature today as the club hosts the Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup at St Mary’s, against Arsenal and Anderlecht.

Nigel Adkins could field new signings Jay Rodriguez and Steven Davis, who he insists is available despite Rangers’ objections to his international clearance, as well as Dan Seaborne.

The defender suffered serious head injuries following an assault outside a nightclub last September but is set to feature this afternoon.

“Dan has been training full on,” said Adkins. “He was back in the fold towards the end of last season.

“He has had the two weeks with us now and he will play at the weekend.”