Tomasz Kuszczak insists he is good enough to become Manchester
United's first-choice goalkeeper.
Kuszczak made his Champions League bow for the Red Devils last
night and celebrated with a clean sheet as Sir Alex Ferguson's men
overcame Roma to maintain their 100 per cent start to Group
F.
It was only the Poland international's 15th appearance for United
since arriving from West Brom at the start of last season,
initially on loan before completing a permanent £4million move this
summer.
Although he was not overly extended by the Italians at Old
Trafford, he performed most tasks competently enough and is already
looking forward to Saturday's local derby with Wigan.
And, while he refuses to spend too much time wondering about the
future, Kuszczak has enough confidence in his own ability to
believe he can be van der Sar's long-term successor.
"I know I am a good goalkeeper, I just need the opportunity to show
it," he said.
"I don't think about how long I have got. Edwin is injured at the
moment, so I have the chance to play in big games and I need to do
well.
"I have been happy with my form and feel I did well in pre-season.
I was determined to fight for my place but unfortunately, I started
the year on the bench again."
"I enjoy every game at Old Trafford," he said.
"The fans are great and when you have a full stadium, it is dream
to play there.
"But I want to play more. That is why it is important for me to
perform in every single game."
There could have been no complaints from Ferguson on that score
last night as United recorded their sixth single-goal triumph of
the campaign.
Although they have mustered a paltry return of just nine goals from
their 11 games so far, and an amazing 15 fewer than at the
comparable stage last season, they remain healthily placed in both
the Premier League and Champions League.
"We are in good shape," he said.
"We are keeping clean sheets and defending well, which overall is
pretty important."
