Jon McLaughlin’s mind is fixed on staying at number one despite fresh competition.

City boss Peter Jackson has brought in Martin Hansen to compete for the spot after letting three keepers go at the end of last season.

But McLaughlin, who is used to a scrap for the starting jersey, is not perturbed by the presence of the on-loan Liverpool youngster.

He said: “It’s going to be another big season and I’ve just got to think in my own head that I will be the number one. That’s what I’ve got to concentrate on.

“You assumed the gaffer would bring in another goalkeeper or two at some stage. But whether he did or not wasn’t really my concern.

“My concern is getting myself as fit and sharp as I can for the start of the season. I want to stamp my authority on nailing down that number one position.”

McLaughlin has had a difficult pre-season after being struck down by a serious bout of food poisoning. He lost five kilos in weight and was unable to train for ten days.

McLaughlin is also coming off a testing campaign between the sticks. Despite seeing the most action in his three years with the club, he was twice dropped by Peter Taylor for Lenny Pidgeley and leaked five on the final day at home to Crewe.

He admitted: “Every game you play is more experience as a goalkeeper.

“It wasn’t an ideal season for anybody but we’ve put a line under that and are working towards being one of the top teams in this division.

“Everyone looks forward to the break after the season but it makes you realise you love what you do. By the end of it, you can’t wait to get back in for training again.

“They don’t take any prisoners when you come back but pre-season is about using all of the six weeks we’ve got to get ourselves to the maximum point for the first game.”

Pidgeley, who shared keeping duties with 22 appearances, joined Exeter. Young-sters Lloyd Saxton and Chris Elliott were also released.

Jackson cast the net wide in his search for replacements. Jonny Brain, Rhys Evans and Mark Howard all featured in friendlies before Hansen was snapped up on an initial month’s loan.