Muir aims to make spot his for keeps

Willie Muir will battle it out with Ryan Goodellow to get hold of the number 1 jersey.

Both Ryan Goodfellow and Willie Muir are aiming to do enough during pre-season to convince Gary Naysmith they are the man to start the competitive campaign between the sticks.

If he’s already made his mind up on who his number one is, Naysmith is keeping his cards close to his chest, taking time to praise both during the early stages of pre-season.

The gaffer is on record as saying he’s delighted with the physical condition Goodfellow has returned to Bayview in, also praising the former Dunfermline ‘keeper’s attitude after being replaced by Liam Kelly half way through the last campaign.

Muir joined the club recently from Queen’s Park, noted for their mean defence, with Naysmith saying all the stats point to the 23-year-old being League Two’s form ‘keeper across the 2015/16 season.

The two have been given an opportunity to impress during the arranged friendlies - Goodfellow starting against Spartans and Muir against Edinburgh City.

Both are yet to blot their copybook - keeping clean sheets in both games.

Muir says it’s a challenge he’s relishing in the months ahead.

“It’s a club where there are people challenging for places all over the park which is good,” said the goalie.

“We know that we’re going to have to work hard to get a place in the team and then do your best to keep it.

“I’ve settled in well, the boys are all good and the coaches are great.

“I’m enjoying it.”

Although Premiership Aberdeen are expected to field a mix of fringe and under 20 payers when they visit Bayview on Sunday, Muir expects that he and the rest of the guys at the back will be presented with a much sterner test than the first two games.

The defence has largely been able to stroll through the first two games but, despite the fixtures meaning nothing in the grand scheme of things, the ‘keeper said winning and keeping clean sheets is a good habit to be in.

“We can’t complain - over the two games we’ve scored six goals and kept two clean sheets,” he said.

“At the start of every pre-season you want to win games and not concede.

“It’s important to get into the winning habit.

“Aberdeen are a full-time team and have a good squad so I’m sure there will be more to do.”