Brown's focus is to keep out rivals for Hibs No.1

MARK BROWN today admitted that competition for places is so intense at Easter Road there's no chance of him becoming complacent about being Hibs' first-choice goalkeeper.

The former Motherwell and Inverness stopper signed for Hibs in January but suffered a fracture to his right wrist in training within a matter of days, meaning that he missed the rest of the 2009/10 season.

Having returned to full fitness, he started the current campaign on the bench but an injury to Graham Stack allowed him to establish himself between the sticks.

Brown has played in 12 of the 13 SPL games Hibs have played so far and is determined to hold onto the gloves for as long as possible, insisting that with both Stack and Graeme Smith pushing him for a place, it's even more important to stay on top of his game.

Brown said: "It's been a good season for me so far, I have been quite happy with my form and I want to try to keep that up because there are some good goalkeepers at the club right now.

"You just have to keep performing on the pitch week-in, week-out if you want to keep your place in the team.

"It means there is no chance of anyone becoming complacent - not just in goals, but all over the pitch. We have got good competition right through the team.

"When you go to a new club the first thing you want to try to do is make an impression. Unfortunately for me it took six months. It was always my aim to be playing regular first-team football and to be the number one, and I'm sure the other boys will say exactly the same thing. I just want to stay in the side now for as long as I possibly can."