Mitch Walker will relish the challenge of fighting it out with Andy Rafferty for Dover Athletic’s No.1 shirt next season.

Walker, 23, has committed to a fourth season at Crabble and is looking forward to the competition to be boss Chris Kinnear’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The former England C man, who played 20 league games and one FA Trophy game this season, said: “I have always been up for a challenge and there is no doubt that it will be a tough one to get the first crack at playing in the league next season.

"But that’s what it should be like at a progressive club like Dover.

“Competition for places right across the park should be healthy and competitive.

“Having two quality goalkeepers is a real positive and can only benefit us both and the team.

“Andy is a great keeper and he’ll want it as much as me and that’s a good thing – competition can only bring the best out of you. You can be sure that we’ll be keeping each other on our toes.”

Walker admitted he could have gone elsewhere but loves life at Dover and sees his future there.

He said: “There were opportunities to go and play regularly elsewhere and I know there are no guarantees for that at Dover.

“But saying that, I feel that Dover are a great club to be at now and it’s right for me.

“They are run properly, the ground is one of the best in non-league and there is no doubt the club is heading in the right direction.

“I want to continue to play a part in continuing the great strides we’ve made over the past couple of years and see us push on from where we finished (eighth) this season.”