WHEN you have a former England number one standing between you and your Premier League dream, life is never going to be easy – but Mark Bunn is relishing the challenge.

The former Northampton stopper appears to have won the battle with Jason Brown to be Paul Robinson’s deputy and now has his sights on pushing Robbo as hard as he can.

Not that the 25-year-old is too impatient with his current lot in life, having worked his way through football’s lower leagues to get his chance on the big stage.

Having started his career at the Cobblers, Bunn has also enjoyed Championship loans with Sheffield United and Leicester but now, after Carling Cup appearances for Rovers this season, is focusing on his Premier League challenge.

He said: “Hopefully I can just push Robbo and maybe get a few games in the league. It is a tough ask pushing Robbo because he is playing very well at the minute.

“He is a fantastic keeper who works hard and we have a great relationship on and off the field. He is a great lad but hopefully if I get the chance I can take it. He is a fantastic goalkeeper.

“We train hard together and I am always learning things from him. I always watch him at training and if I can take something from his game into mine then I will do.

“He is one of the best in the Premier League and without a doubt should be playing for England still. Hope-fully I can push him though and bring out the best in him.”

Bunn was sent out on loan last season with Sam Allardyce opting to name Brown as his reserve but, with him now on loan at Leeds, the picture has changed for the former Northampton man.

He is very much the man in waiting now and, ahead of Rovers’ trip to Anfield on Sunday, Bunn is determined to be ready for his chance when he gets it.

“I am delighted with how the season has started for me,” he said. “I set out in the summer to establish myself as the number two and hopefully I have gone some way to doing that.

“I am happy to be sitting on the bench at the minute and playing in the cup. I am enjoying it here. I suppose I have taken the next step.

“I will be ready for the Premier League. Playing for Sheffield United in front of big crowds got me ready and I can take my chance when I get it.”