David Clarke has spoken of his delight at winning back the Mayo number one jersey.

The long-serving Ballina goalkeeper found himself second choice to Robert Hennelly during last year's run to the All-Ireland football semi-final, but has worked hard this season to regain his place in the starting XV and was recently named vice-captain by manager James Horan.

"I won't lie - it was difficult watching last year. I wanted to be on the pitch the same as the other lads," Clarke admitted to The Irish Sun.

"When you have a 30-man panel, at the start of the year you want to make that, then you want to make the subs and then the team. I am no different than anyone else. I wanted to play every game.But you have to be man enough and keep your head up, keep proud, work hard and hopefully you'll get your chance.

"It didn't happen for me last year but unfortunately Robert got an injury in a Sigerson game and it offered me a bit of light. I played in a few FBD games and things took off for me from there. We have had a fantastic defence this season. I have quite a good record in not conceding goals - things have definitely tightened up."

Despite their rivalry, Clarke claims he and Hennelly are close friends.

"He probably brought me on as a goalkeeper. He is a big presence, a big man talking around the dressing room and that's something that I mightn't have been as good at off the pitch and something that I've had to work on. He's an excellent free-taker, and I probably learned that from him over the last while how to take frees and 45s.

"It's something James wants because the outfield lads mightn't fancy the 45s. It is a healthy competition that is between us. He's given me a new lease of life, making me work a bit harder.

"Hopefully I can hold him off for another small while because he has a big future." Tweet

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