SIMON Eastwood believes Jack Stevens’ form in pre-season will benefit both of Oxford United’s goalkeepers.
After saving a penalty against Crystal Palace in a friendly last month, Stevens felt he was ready to provide serious competition to the U’s No 1.
Eastwood responded with a fine display of his own against Brentford in midweek and thinks the battle will raise everyone’s standards.
He said: “This will be my fifth season with Jack, who was a young lad when I joined and I’ve seen him come through and develop.
“He’s been doing really well in training so it’s good to have competition.
“We’ll push each other and it keeps me on my toes. I’m 31 but I’m still as eager to play as ever.”
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Under instruction from head coach Karl Robinson, Eastwood has made some tweaks to his approach in matches during pre-season.
He said: “One of the things I’ve had in my game is being deeper in my starting position, so it’s just being a bit higher and maybe being out of my box for the balls over the top.
“I’ve been a keeper that lets the defenders get on with it, but he’s told me he wants me a bit higher, which I’m happy with.
“I’m 31 now and you’re never too old to try new things. Hopefully it will benefit me and the team.”
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