By Chris O'Brien
November 17 2004

Tim Howard is refusing to accept he is now second-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford, and is relishing a between the sticks tussle with Ulsterman Roy Carroll. 25-year-old Howard lost his place earlier in the season following some poor displays, and Carroll has impressed since coming into the team.

Manchester United's dropped goalkeeper Tim Howard is relishing a fight for the first-choice jersey with in-form Ulsterman Roy Carroll. The United States international was replaced with Carroll after a string of poor performances, and the Northern Irishman has stepped in with style with some excellent performances, notable away in Prague and the famous home win over Arsenal.

Howard is adamant he is not happy to sit on the bench and will do all he can to battle his way back into Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team plans. Only the League Cup has handed the player with any first-team football since September, but the 25-year-old hopes he can take any opportunities he gets as he looks to reproduce his sparking form from last season.

"You can't let yourself get too up, or too down." said the former New York Metrostars 'keeper.

"I look forward to getting my place back, whenever that may be. I'm optimistic. I'm always optimistic.

"Roy Carroll has been playing well, so I just have to keep fighting to win back a place in the team. You keep fighting and eventually you get it right."