Chris Neal is braced for fresh competition for the Shrewsbury Town goalkeeping jersey – but is confident he can establish himself as the club’s No 1.

Former Preston man Neal and youth team graduate Hakan Duyan are the only two senior shot-stoppers currently on the Town books.

It appears certain one of the first priorities for the new manager, who is expected to be appointed within the next week, will be to strengthen the goalkeeping department.

At 24 and with only 17 first-team career appearances to his name, Neal is desperate for a full season of regular football.

“There is only myself and Hakan at the moment in terms of goalkeepers so I’m realistic enough to know that there is going to be someone else coming in,” said Neal.

“The extra competition can only be good for the club and it’s up to me to come and prove to the new manager, whoever it is, that I’m good enough to be first choice.

“I’m confident I can to do that and I can’t wait to get started for pre-season.”

Neal admitted his first season with Shrewsbury, which yielded 10 starts, proved frustrating.

A string of injuries limited his availability and he then had to play second fiddle to loan signings Steve Phillips and David Button.

“I came here last year to prove I’m good enough to be a first choice,” he added.

“I had a couple of niggles in pre-season but I felt I was in really good form when I started the season.

“To then get a groin injury was a big blow and it was hard to get back in to the team when I recovered.

“It’s tough to enjoy your football when you are injured and sitting on the bench but hopefully I can have a strong season ahead.”