Sorensen Wants To Stay

Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has responded to speculation over his future by insisting he intends to stay at Stoke and challenge for the No.1 spot.

The Denmark international, who has a year remaining on his Potters contract, has been linked with a move away from the Britannia Stadium this summer after playing second fiddle to Asmir Begovic for much of last season.

However the 35-year-old, who impressed during Stoke's FA Cup run last term, says he wants to stay and reclaim the gloves.

Important

He told The Sentinel: "It is important for me to be playing. It was great to have the run in the FA Cup last year, but it is no secret I want to be playing more regularly.

"The manager has said it is up for grabs this year, so I am ready for the challenge. We will see what happens.

"I am here to challenge, I am not going anywhere.

"I think both me and Asmir did really well last year, so it is only fair that it is open and that whoever plays better will start. That is my aim."

The keeper spent a season with Cole at Aston Villa during the 2004-05 season, and has been impressed when they have faced each other since then.

Sorensen could potentially be reunited with former team-mateCarlton Cole at Stoke next season, with the Potters reportedly chasing the West Ham striker's signature.

He is relishing the possibility of linking up with the England international, who is also thought to have attracted interest from QPR.

Improved

He added: "He is a much improved player. He was fairly young when I played with him at Villa. He was a little bit indisciplined and needed a lot of work. But he has definitely improved.

"The role he has had at West Ham has given him a lot of responsibility and you can see he has grown.

"He has been involved with the England team and, whenever we have played him, he has been a handful with his physical presence.

"He has also capped every season with quite a few goals. If he came to Stoke, I think he would be a great signing for us."