Ayr United new boy Robbie Mutch insists he’s not at Somerset Park to play second fiddle.
The keeper has signed a two year deal to challenge Charlie Albinson for the gloves. And the former Edinburgh and Falkirk shot stopper is adamant that he can make an impact in the battle for the number one spot.
He told the Ayrshire Post: “I’m not coming down here just to be a backup. I respect Charlie and know he’s had a really good season.
“But if I’m not playing, I’m here to push him on even further and try and get into the team myself. Competition is good and I’m sure we’ll get the best out of each other.”
Mutch came through the youth ranks at Aberdeen before a five year stint with the Bairns and, latterly, at F.C Edinburgh in League One.
The 24-year-old added: “I’ve got confidence in my ability and know I’m good enough to play. It’s a big move for me both professionally and personally to come down here from Inverurie near Aberdeen where I live. But it’s clearly a good club going in the right direction and I want to be part of that.
"It's also a chance to go back full time and that can only benefit me in terms of my career. It's a move that I'm really excited about and I can't wait to get started."
Mutch, who is stepping back up to the Championship where he enjoyed a brief spell with the Bairns, is being backed to hit the ground running at Somerset.
United goalie coach Dave Timmins said: “Robbie is a good shot stopper who commands his box and is very aggressive on crosses. He’s also at a very good age and has played a lot of games.
“His ambition is exactly what we want. Aidan (McAdams) pushed Charlie every single day in training and that’s the atmosphere we want around the club.
"I can't wait to get working with Robbie in pre-season and I'm sure he'll be pushing Charlie all the way, which can only be a good thing."
