Russell Hoult is ready to battle it out with Kevin Pilkington to start the 2009/10 as Notts County's first-choice goalkeeper.

The former Derby County and West Bromwich Albion shot-stopper missed the final five months of last season with a shoulder problem.

In an injury-ravaged campaign he also missed all of County's pre-season campaign with a stress fracture in his right ankle.

In fact, due to injuries it has been very rare since Hoult's initial arrival on loan from Stoke City in February 2008 that both goalkeepers have been available and fighting for the first-team spot at the same time.

With County's squad back in training next week Hoult is using the summer break to put the past behind him and focus on battling it out with Pilkington for the right to start the season against Bradford City on 8 August.

"It will be a good battle, although in the year I've had here we've rarely had the chance to compete for the first-team spot because one of us has been injured," said Hoult.

"We get on, work hard together and have a laugh and a joke when the time is right.

"It's hard if you don't get on as goalkeepers but I've enjoyed working with Kevin and I'm sure it will be a good pre-season for both of us."

Despite turning 37 later this year, Hoult does not believe this forthcoming season will be his last in professional football and he is targeting a prolonged career in the Football League.

"I don't see this season as my last in football, not at all" he said.

"To be honest, I've not even thought about it.

"I'm working on doing my coaching badges at the moment and I'll see what happens, but right now I want to keep playing for as long as I can."