Danny Batth is relishing the prospect of more competition for places next season after Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray said the club would look to strengthen its defence this summer. Batth has been a near-fixture at the heart of defence this season, starting 37 out of 41 league games, and has taken on the captain's armband since regular skipper Corry Evans' campaign was cut short in January through injury.
At 32 and with extensive Championship experience during his time at Wolves and Stoke City, Batth is one of the few experienced heads in the Black Cats' squad. At various times this season he has partnered Dan Ballard, Luke O'Nien, and Aji Alese in central defence, and says all will welcome increased competition next season in a bid to push themselves to the limit.
"I think every club has to have competition for places," Batth said. "Look it won't just be me who has competition for places, it will be Dan, and Luke, and Aji.
