Keiren Westwood is not even allowing himself to think about the responsibility of filling Shay Given's boots.
The 25-year-old Coventry keeper could find himself in the firing line when the Republic of Ireland launch their Euro 2012 qualification campaign in September, with Given currently recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Westwood won his fourth senior international cap against Paraguay on Tuesday evening, and will hope to make it five against Algeria on Friday night.
"I have to try to not put that much emphasis on it, really, because he is a big, big goalkeeper," he said.
"He has been fantastic for Ireland and over his career he has been great, so it's something I am trying not to do.
"I will let you do that, I will stay away from it. He's a fantastic keeper, but he is a great guy as well. He helps me on the training pitch as much as he can, which is a massive benefit for me."
Given's consistency and dependability have made him a fixture in the side and left successive understudies warming their backsides on the bench.
By comparison, Westwood is a relative novice, although his career path has given him a healthy sense of perspective.
He said: "I am 25 years old now and I have been playing first-team football since I was maybe 19. I have played a lot of games and I am delighted with how it has gone, really.
"I have gone from being at a big club like Man City, and getting released at 18, 19, to the Conference with Carlisle and working my way back up.
"I am happy where I am, but it is progression and I need to keep going. I won't rest on my laurels now."
Source: PA
