Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone is not being allowed to relax by rival Costel Pantilimon.
The signing of Romania goalkeeper Pantilimon in the summer was intended to push Mannone to new heights this year, and was brokered even though the Italian scooped player of the year honours.
Mannone says that there will be no animosity from him if boss Gustavo Poyet decides to opt for the Romanian for the rest of the campaign.
He told The Journal: "That's football. That's the difference between being a good lad and not (being a good lad). I've been with both of them in the past. Costel is a good lad.
"He is training hard and trying to push himself and improve himself. We know that this world is made of opportunities and you have to grab your chances.
"The manager decides. It's not down to me or anybody else. I've never been angry with a team-mate, because it's not him that decides whether it's me that plays or not."
