Hearts: Colin Doyle 'happy to be tested' in number one fight
- Published
Doyle has won four caps for his country, including a recent pre-World Cup friendly against France in Paris
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Colin Doyle says the battle to be Hearts' number one will "bring out the best" in him.
The 33-year-old is the third goalkeeper manager Craig Levein has brought to Tynecastle this summer.
He faces a fight for a starting place with Czech Zdenek Zlamal and American Kevin Silva.
"That's what you want; you want to be tested," Doyle told the Hearts website., external "You want competition for places."
Cork-born Doyle, who has signed a two-year contract, ended a two-year spell with Bradford City at the end of June.
He made 39 appearances for the League One club last season before winning his third and fourth caps against France and United States.
"You don't want to think you're coming as a number one and you're in the team for the whole season and you're not at threat of losing that place," he said.
"Having good competition, you need to work hard every day, whether it's at training or in matches, you've got to impress."
Doyle started his career with Birmingham City and had loan spells with Chester City, Nottingham Forest, Millwall and Coventry City before moving on to Blackpool and then Bradford.
He says two former Hearts players helped him decide to become the club's 14th summer signing.
"I spoke to Steve Banks - the goalkeeping coach - who has been here," he said. "And I spoke to Kenny Black, who was assistant to Stuart McCall at Bradford.
"They had only good things to say about here and how I'd really enjoy it up here. Once I came up it was an easy decision. I'm looking forward to it."
- Published18 July 2018
- Published18 July 2018
