Neil Etheridge has acknowledged that he has a battle on his hands winning back a starting spot at Walsall following his international exploits.

The 25-year-old missed the Saddlers' League One showdown with Burton Albion last week due to commitments with the Philippines national side.

While away with the Azkals, Etheridge played a full part in games against North Korea and Bahrain, but he concedes that he will now have to work hard in order to oust Craig MacGillivray after his fellow shot-stopper recorded a clean sheet last time out.

"I was extremely pleased for Craig," he is quoted as saying by the Express & Star. "I was really pleased for him that he kept a clean sheet and for the defence as well because I think it shows how far the club has progressed since last year.

"The manager now has a decision to make, but I've continued playing my football while I've been away. I've got two days of training to prove myself and I know my ability. I want to be wearing that number one shirt against Chesterfield tomorrow."

Etheridge joined Walsall on a two-year deal earlier this year after his Charlton Athletic contract expired.