BEN Alnwick has become the latest Sunderland stopper to stake a claim for the goalkeeper's jersey by insisting he will not "disappear without trace" next season.

Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy faces a number of tough decisions this summer, but none will be more taxing than the choice of who to put between the sticks for the club's first game back in the Premiership.

Former No 1 Mart Poom underlined his determination to win back his place in yesterday's Echo Sport, claiming he would be fit for the pre-season tour of the United States and doing "everything he could" to regain the spot.

Thomas Myhre's future will be discussed this week. The Norway international is out of contract at the end of the month and, while McCarthy admits he will be unable to give any assurances about how often he will play next season, Myhre is expected to agree to a new one-year deal.

Despite their extensive Premiership experience, Sunderland's two senior stoppers will not have things all their own way.

Alnwick had not even made his senior debut at the start of last month. But by starring in the final three games of the season as the Black Cats clinched the Championship he has shown his ability to perform under pressure.

While the 18-year-old is still basking in the glory of Sunderland's title win, he is already turning his attention towards what comes next.

"I didn't even dream about having an end to the season like that," revealed Gateshead-born Alnwick. "It was everything I could ever have hoped for and more.

"The last month has been like a whirlwind for me and I couldn't have asked for a better start to my career at the club.

"I came in for three important games and I think I did well in them. I'm so pleased I didn't let anyone down.

"But now it's a case of building on that. I don't want to be known as someone who came in to help win the title then disappeared without trace."

Most Sunderland fans knew nothing about Alnwick when he made his debut in the 2-1 win over Leicester.

The youngster helped the Black Cats claim the three points that secured promotion with a stunning reflex stop from Mark De Vries, before an even more spectacular save from Marlon Harewood helped his side win the title at Upton Park.

McCarthy was clearly impressed with Alnwick's efforts, hinting he would not be afraid of kicking off the Premiership season with the teenager in his side.

Those words have clearly boosted the youngster's confidence even further but, at the tender age of 18, he is sensibly refusing to take anything for granted.

"I've got to realise that I'm still young and there's going to be a lot of competition," said Alnwick.

"I don't know if the manager is going to give Tommy a new contract or if he's going to bring somebody else in. But there's almost certainly going to be three good keepers here next season.

"That's a challenge, but it's one I'm ready for. I know I can't expect to walk into the team, but the manager knows what I'm capable of now and hopefully I've given him something to think about.

"I'm ambitious and I want to play at places like Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge but, more importantly, I just want to do everything I can to keep Sunderland in the Premiership."