NEW boy Ben Alnwick is keen to spark some friendly rivalry with fellow keeper Mark Howard to help push Wanderers on to success.

The former Sunderland and Spurs stopper was the only permanent arrival on transfer deadline day, signing a two-year deal from Peterborough United.

The 29-year-old rates his competition highly – with Howard making an impressive start as Wanderers pushed to the top of the League One table.

But Alnwick does not hide the fact he has not come to the Macron Stadium to sit on the bench.

“I’ve played against Mark a couple of times and he’s a really good goalkeeper,” he said. “Two lads around the same age, we can only push each other and bring the best out of each other.

“But I’m here to compete for the shirt. It would be a waste of time coming here if I didn’t think I could get in the team.”

Alnwick asked to be transfer listed at the weekend after signing a new deal with the club over the summer, a fact which left a bitter taste in the mouth of some at London Road.

“I enjoyed my time there but I felt it was time for a change,” he added.

“I was happy to get further up north with my family being up here.”

Keshi Anderson, on loan from Crystal Palace, has also given Wanderers fans a guide to what they can expect from him.

He said: “I’ve got a bit of pace, a bit of skill, I’ll get on the ball and create things. I don’t mind putting it in the back of the net, either. Hopefully I can get as many as I can and have a good season.

“I’ve looked online at the squad to see where I fit in.

“The start to the season couldn’t really be any better.”