Valencia goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand says battling with Santiago Canizares to be first-choice is lifting his game.

Hildebrand has managed to force his way into new coach Ronald Koeman's first team in recent weeks and he said: "I am not anxious about having to compete with another goalkeeper who is at the same club.

"I think the best thing for the club is to have two quality goalkeepers. The team is better for it. I think it is good for me to fight, to improve my quality.

"The same happens with the Germany team. There's no doubt I have improved because of having to push myself to compete with other great goalkeepers. I've no problems at all with the competition."