Lifelong Everton fan Carlo Nash believes it takes a "strong mentality" to be a constant understudy.
The 34-year-old has spent much of his career as a back-up goalkeeper, warming the bench and rarely getting the chance to play.
That is the role he has again undertaken at the Goodison Park club after agreeing a two-year contract, with a year option, to put pressure on number one Tim Howard.
Nash, who has been understudy at a host of clubs including Wigan Athletic, Manchester City and Middlesbrough said: "Tim Howard is an amazing goalkeeper and it will be almost impossible to displace him. But I am here to give him competition.
good taste
"The problem with goalkeeping is that there is only one place. I have to be ready to step in when ever the call comes. You have to make the impact in training, to show you are concentrating.
"I'm fitter now than ever, I started as a 22-year-old and I want to go on for years. David James, Brad Friedel and the like have always shown that is possible. I don't see myself leaving here now, I have a two-year contract with a year option and aim to make the most of it.
He added: "I handle this situation by working hard, keep improving and be better. Lots of people are thinking of retiring at my age, but not me.
"I can't play in the Carling Cup because I played for Wigan last week, but I shall be waiting for my chance. I had a good taste of Europe with Middlesbrough, and I hope I can do something like that again.
"I suppose I am disappointed that after all these years I am still seen as a back-up keeper, but I feel I have never been given a long enough run in a side to prove anything. I am still hoping for a long run, but I handle it with a strong mentality and I love playing football. I always work hard in training and make sure I get the most out of things."
