City's No.1 talks competition in the ranks and earning his return to the first XI...
City’s shot stopper Lee Burge is pleased to have retained the number one jersey following a recall to the Sky Blues first-team.
The 23-year old had played second string to Reice Charles-Cook in the early stages of the season, but is beginning to establish himself between the sticks and has started the past five League One encounters.
He said: “It’s been a long time, but I am glad to be back playing. You have to keep encouraging each other, as there is only one goalkeeping place to play for. Me and Reice encourage each other.
“You have to stay strong mentally, football can turn so quickly. It’s healthy competition between us. It’s what I’ve trained for all these years, I’m really enjoying being back in the team.
“I made a couple of good saves on Saturday and I think the back four have been a lot stronger these past few weeks. We learnt a lot from the Charlton game and have been making a lot less mistakes as a result.”
Burge has claimed two clean sheets this season - in the wins over Port Vale and Rochdale - and will look to extend that record against Chesterfield tomorrow night.
Having played all of City’s competitive fixtures in the month of October, Burge is pleased with his side’s turn of fortune.
He added: “Everyone put their bodies on the line, Bigi and Ben have also been contributing defensively. We seem to be playing with the pressure off a bit, running more freely and with licence to attack.
“We got to take it game by game, looking forward to playing tomorrow. Another three points and we’re five off the play-offs.
“For us, we’re concentrating on remaining solid as a team. We’re going out there to win every game. Anyone can beat anyone in this league, but we’re starting to stand up to the division now.”