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.
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"There should be competition all over the pitch. We were preparing for the game against Cardiff the other day and we haven't got that depth of squad because of the injuries we've got.
"We've got goalkeepers playing outfield as we are trying to replicate what Cardiff do. There are holes in the squad that are going to be filled and that will be no different at any other club in the league.
"I always enjoy a challenge. If you want to be successful you have to have a training group that really drives the standard."
Batth's role as one of the wise old heads in the dressing room has been a crucial part of Sunderland's success this season, in a team - and a squad - mainly comprised of players in their teens and early 20s. Batth was already an influential voice even before he took on the captaincy in the wake of Evans' cruciate ligament injury.
He said: "It's not the first club I've captained a club. Obviously Corry is out injured and I've been leading the team but you don't need an armband to do that.
"I think it's always been a responsibility I've taken upon myself and I just try to be a good example and voice for the team. We’re not full of talkers, we haven't got too many that are extroverts.
"I think organising as best I can and trying to perform well myself gives the rest of the lads in front of us confidence that they can take risks and we'll still be there to defend."
Sunderland's 1-0 win at Cardiff on Easter Monday lifted them to tenth in the table and to within four points of the play-off places with five games remaining. Their Championship campaign continues on Saturday, when Birmingham City visit the Stadium of Light.
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