Charlie Albinson on why he backed himself to stay on at Ayr United

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Charlie Albinson insists keeping the faith in Ayr United - and himself - proved to be the best call of his career.The keeper's decision to sign a new deal at Somerset last summer came off the back of a season in which he'd spent much of his time warming the bench.But a breakout year has seen the former Manchester City kid not only wrestle the gloves from Aidan McAdams - he has become one of Ayr's standout performers in a stellar campaign.Albinson, 26, is now among United's most prized assets with United chiefs moving to extend his deal until June 2024, and he believes his decision to stick it out north of the border has paid off big style.He told the Ayrshire Post: "The main thing for me was getting the chance to prove myself.

No matter where you go in football, you can never get the assurances that you will start games."But when I sat down with the manager at the end of last season, there was honesty on both sides - the goalkeeper's position was very much up for grabs this year and that was all I could ever ask for."I always backed myself and knew I was good enough to play.

I just needed that opportunity and I'd like to think that I've repaid the gaffer's faith in me this season."Having Aidan competing with me every day in training is a massive thing.

We've both supported each other since day one and you need that level of competition to drive you on. It definitely helps to have someone over your shoulder who you know could easily come in and take your position, and that's the case with a quality keeper like Aidan."Albinson enjoyed a decorated youth career which saw him come through the ranks at City from the age of eight, spending a total of 11 years in Manchester.Early coaches included Patrick Vieria, with Albinson