Chris Lakey Fraser Forster admits he thrives on the pressure that comes with fighting Declan Rudd for the goalkeeping spot at Carrow Road. Possession is nine tenths of Lambert's law, which would suggest the on-loan Newcastle keeper will keep the jersey for Monday's trip to Leeds United - having surrendered it to his young rival after being sent off in the league game at Gillingham last month.

Chris Lakey

Fraser Forster admits he thrives on the pressure that comes with fighting Declan Rudd for the goalkeeping spot at Carrow Road.

Possession is nine tenths of Lambert's law, which would suggest the on-loan Newcastle keeper will keep the jersey for Monday's trip to Leeds United - having surrendered it to his young rival after being sent off in the league game at Gillingham last month.

Rudd came in that day, replaced Forster when he was suspended for the home win over Leyton Orient and then got the vote for the home trouncing of Bristol Rovers.

But the goalposts were moved when Rudd went on duty with the England Under-19s squad last week and Forster was back between the sticks for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy win at Gillingham and last weekend's league win at Carlisle.

Both are in contention for Monday, but Forster is hoping to get the nod.

"After the sending off there were two good wins that Dec played in and I've obviously got my chance back in the team and kept two clean sheets, so I've done what I can do to make the gaffer want to pick me again," said Forster. "Obviously it's his decision and we just have to see what he does."

Rudd is likely to return to training this weekend - and Forster's looking forward to renewing the battle.

"I don't mind that," he said. "Pressure's good. It's good to have someone breathing down your neck. It means you have to perform your best in training and show everyone what you can do - I enjoy having pressure.

"Whether you are playing or not there is always someone else waiting to take your place so that's just part of football, so it can only be good for me in the long run."

Forster is also enjoying his time at Carrow Road: he's due back at St James' Park in January, but yesterday hinted that he may stay a little longer.

"Yes, it's a massive club and for me it's important for me to be playing games, but obviously it's a long way away from January at the minute so there's still plenty of time to see what happens before then," said the 21-year-old. "You never know what will happen in football.

"It's been good. Obviously I've played quite a few games now and it's nice to have a bit of a run in the team.

"I got sent off - which was a bit harsh, but I think everyone knows that anyway - but that's part of football so I'm just enjoying it at the minute.

"You can't change the past and there's nothing I can do about it."

Forster has seen Leeds on TV and closer to hand when the Yorkshire side travelled to Newcastle for a pre-season friendly.

"I've seen Leeds play quite a lot - they've been on Sky quite a few times and I've seen them play and Newcastle had them in a pre-season friendly. They're are a good team and it will be a massive game for both of us, but if we can win it will really kick us on up the league."

The crowd at Elland Road could push the season high of 31,838 who saw Simon Grayson's team against Charlton at the beginning of the month - and with a live TV audience it could be a Monday night spectacular.

For Forster it's business as usual.

"It's just another game of football," he said. "Obviously it's nice to be playing on TV, it means your friends and family, more people can watch you play but I don't think anything changes, it's still just 11 v 11 and one football so nothing really changes.

"We're used to playing at Carrow Road in front of 25,000 so it shouldn't be too big a change. I know it's an away game, but we just have to get on with it. It will be a good experience to play in front of another big crowd."