ALAN Walker-Harris is looking forward to locking horns with fellow gloveman Jason Matthews in next season’s battle for the number one jersey.

The latter was last week unveiled as the Magpies’ first signing of the close season but boss Phil Simkin was quick to alleviate any fears that the former’s county town career was at an end following the broken leg he sustained on March 24.

Walker-Harris says he fully expected the club to draft in a new keeper and has therefore welcomed Matthews’ arrival.

The recently crowned Supporters’ Player of the Year and Online Player of the Year told Echosport: “To be honest, everyone knows that we needed to bring in another keeper as you couldn’t go into August wondering if I was going to be ready.

“I have met Jason a couple of times and he has a decent pedigree when you look at the clubs he has played for.

“Someone is going to have to make way but I’m looking forward to it and once I’m fully fit I will certainly give Phil a headache.

“The main thing for me is I want to get back and play. I had a reasonably good season and I want to carry that on and do it again next season.

“Phil has done well to get Jason and it was something he had to do really as he couldn’t wait for me. Phil has said there is always a job for me at the club, which is nice to hear.

“If the injury had happened earlier in the season I might not have played for Dorchester again. But on the back of a good season they are more likely to give you another crack.”

Discussing his recovery from the long-term injury, which he suffered in the 1-0 victory over Dartford six weeks ago, the 30-year-old added: “I go back to the hospital in three weeks, when I should know if the bones are knitting together.

“If not then they will talk about plating, but hopefully it won’t come to the worst case scenario.”