Shay Given knows he has placed more pressure on himself to stay as Paul Lambert's first-choice goalkeeper at Aston Villa after his international retirement.
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Given admits his main reason for calling time on his 125-cap career with Republic of Ireland is to ensure he extends his club career at Villa Park.
The former Manchester City and Newcastle keeper points to the example of his predecessor Brad Friedel , who quit playing for the USA at the age of 36 and is still going strong in the Premier League five years later.
Given is also 36 and has four years remaining on his existing deal at Villa, a contract which could take him to retirement.
But he knows he faces stiff competition from Brad Guzan to remain Villa's No.1 this season after Lambert promised to give the American understudy every chance to establish himself after several seasons in the shadows.
Guzan was ready to quit Villa in the summer after failing to make his breakthrough, but was persuaded by Lambert to sign a new three-year contract and Given is fully aware of the battle on his hands.
"Brad is pushing very hard for a place in the team as well and it is up to me to hopefully keep him out," Given said. "He is a fantastic goalkeeper and the fans love him here as well and that comes from his performances.
"It's important we've got that competition in all positions across the park and we definitely have that in the goalkeeping department.
"Of course you need a challenge and there's a new manager as well, so you've got to impress him and show him that you deserve to be in the team. The manager's a very passionate guy and he wants everybody to be on top of their game, both in training and in games."
Given is expected to get the nod for the opening Premier League game against West Ham United, but will need to be at the top of his game to keep Guzan confined to Captial One Cup appearances this season.
