Adrian prepared to challenge Hart for first choice spot at West Ham

West Ham custodian Adrian is prepared to battle Joe Hart for the first choice keeping position at the club next season.

The Spanish international Adrian ended off last season as the first choice shot-stopper for the East London club, though Hart is likely to start the new campaign as first choice after arriving from Manchester City on loan this summer.

The 30-year-old Adrian delivered a fine performance during the Hammers’ 1-0 pre-season friendly loss against Werder Bremen and there was pretty much nothing that he could have done to prevent the defeat.

Adrian has now said of the competition from Hart, “Joe is a great ‘keeper and is an international for England he brings great competition. He is a great worker and, like everyone, we are both training very well.

“We have a lot of competition in goal this season, so I will try to give my best and we will see the manager’s decision.”

Hart will surely have to keep his form up because when on form, Adrian can be a brilliant keeper as was shown during the 2015-16 season when he played a big role in helping the club finish 7th in the Premier League.