Sunderland goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter insists he is not feeling the pressure of stepping into Jordan Pickford’s boot as he hopes to help the club win promotion this season.
The Dutchman joined Sunderland over the summer after impressing during a trial period at the Stadium of Light.
Ruiter boasts plenty of experience in his homeland, having turned out 137 times for Utrecht, while he also earned 68 appearances for FC Volendam.
The 30-year-old caught the eye on his debut in the Carabao Cup triumph over Carlisle, however, he struggled on his league debut as Sunderland, who are priced at 34.00 to win the Championship title, fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Barnsley.
Jason Steele is Ruiter’s main competition for the number one jersey following the departure of Pickford to Everton over the summer and he insists he is just focused on his own performances.
The stopper is hoping he can convince boss Simon Grayson to stick by him and believes the club are capable of fighting for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Ruiter said: “Every goalkeeper is different. “Jordan Pickford did a terrific job last year, a young, really talented goalkeeper.
“I am Robbin and Jason is Jason. Everyone is different.
“We all try to do our best job for the club and keep as many clean sheets as possible.
“Hopefully we can win points and that is the most important thing now. I don’t want to compare myself to Jordan or anybody else.
“I am just myself and hopefully I can help the club to get back up.”
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