James Shea says he fully supports Simon Sluga, if the Croatian plays, but still wants to win back the Luton goalkeeper’s jersey from the club record signing.
The 28-year-old has been knocked down the pecking order since Town splashed out €1.5million to sign Sluga from HNK Rijeka.
But despite going from the League One golden gloves winner last term – where he played 46 times in all competitions – to two outings in the Carabao Cup, Shea insisted any rivalry between goalkeepers is friendly.
Read more: ‘I want to fight for the shirt’ – Shea on ‘difficult’ spell as No.2 to Sluga
“His English is getting there. He’s learned the good words,” said the former Arsenal youth, adding: “He’s got his own sense of humour, and the goalkeeping group, I’m not just saying it, we get on really well with each other, but best of friends, best of enemies.
“We all know what our jobs are, we’re all fighting to play, but we’ll all push each other and back each other, whoever’s playing, 100 per cent.”
Sluga’s competitive debut came in the first match of the entire EFL season with the visit of Middlesbrough screened live on television, which ended in a 3-3 draw. And viewers saw every angle of the best and worst of the Croatian as he made a world-class top-corner save and then, moment later, let a tame shot trickle through his fingers for a goal.
Shea said: “That’s part and parcel of being a goalkeeper, you make mistakes, it’s how you bounce back. He’s made some great saves in games and kept us in games.
“I’m sure he’ll get better and better. My job is to keep pushing him as I want to play, so we’re both fighting for it and it’s up to the manager.”
Shea was Town’s man of the match despite conceding four in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Premier League Leicester City.
After the game, manager Graeme Jones said: “He did really well. I think that’s all you want, someone that’s going to rise to competition and give you a selection to make and James has done that.
“I think us at Luton need to be really proud of this player because this player was number one here last year and he’s had to take a back seat. They guy’s been outstanding. You talk about consistent football behaviour, on and off the pitch, he’s just a model professional.
“We need to look after him at Luton Town because he’s been through it with the club. I’ve got nothing but respect for him.
“His mentality is incredible, and he’s got technical qualities. He’s a good goalkeeper but he’s just one of those players that is so even tempered and he’s ready for whatever you throw at him and I’ve been so impressed with him since I came to the football club.
“That’s all you want. I’ve spoke about contribution many, many times and James contributed tonight, and he has contributed as a number two. He’s supported Simon and that’s what you want throughout your club.
“That makes you a health football club. We need to protect that kind of player, especially with the history he’s got with Luton, so I’m really pleased.”
