Billy Turley will have competition next season to keep him on his toes.

Oxford United manager Darren Patterson says during the summer, he intends to bring in another senior keeper, who will challenge Turley for the No 1 jersey.

Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Blue Square Premier, Turley has nevertheless made two high-profile mistakes in the recent home games against Burton Albion and Northwich Victoria.

And Patterson says it will now be a test of the former Rushden keeper's character to see how he responds to his blunder against Northwich, from which the U's were unable to recover, losing 1-0.

"If you look at the goals we're conceding at home, they're ridiculous," Patter- son said. "A deflection against Stevenage, two ridiculous goals conceded by my goalkeeper and centre half against Burton - they kill you.

"We don't seem to get those kind of goals.

"We've got to stop doing it, as simple as that. On our travels we've been a lot more solid. We've got to stop making basic errors, especially at home."

He added: "Billy's got to show his character now and show his worth. Having competition in the goalkeeping position is definitely something that's going to get sorted out in the summer.

"We were looking to get someone in just before the deadline. I had him lined up, but there were no finances for it.

"He definitely needs competition, whether he's man of the match or not. And I don't mean a young lad.

"Everyone needs that, not only Billy, all over the park.

"We know Billy needs proper competition, but we've had to focus on other areas of the squad because of finances. And I'm not just going to take anybody."

Chris Tardif provided Turley with competition last season and in the first part of this campaign, but he left the club in the autumn.

Youth team keeper Sam Worrall was selected to be on the bench in some games under former boss Jim Smith, but Patterson clearly doesn't feel the youngster is ready yet for Conference football, and he has preferred to go without a keeper among his five subs.