GOALKEEPER Joe Lumley insisted he was happy to trade being a number one for fierce competition as Saints is "a massive club". 

Lumley, 28, made his first appearance at St Mary's since signing on a season-long contract in Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup win over Walsall. 

Republic of Ireland international Gavin Bazunu is manager Russell Martin's number one and Lumley is not used to being second choice. 

The former QPR shot-stopper has already racked up 152 Championship appearances and more than 50 in Leagues One and Two.

Lumley played 41 of Reading's 46 Championship games last campaign with the Royals relegated as a result of a six-point deduction.

And so when asked why he decided to turn down guaranteed games elsewhere, Lumley simply told the Daily Echo: "It is a massive club.

Daily Echo: Joe Lumley was first-choice for Reading in the Championship last campaignJoe Lumley was first-choice for Reading in the Championship last campaign (Image: PA)

"They are trying to get promoted to the Premier League and I want to be a Premier League goalie. 

"Once you sign and you are through the door, anything can happen. Gavin has been incredible in the league but I just have to keep pushing him.

"There is healthy competition. I love it. The way the gaffer plays is so good, so enjoyable and it shows it gets results - I love it every day."

He continued: "I want to play games but even if I am not playing in the league it is about keeping on pushing and working hard.

"The better Gavin does, the better I have to do - if Gavin improves, I have to improve. Alex (McCarthy) has to improve. You get better every day."

Saints goalkeeping coach and Martin sidekick Dean Thornton had a big glove in Lumley's August arrival at Staplewood. 

READ MORE: Martin's Lumley admission as backup goalkeeper makes Saints debut

Thornton was the young Lumley's coach in the youth team at QPR after the London-born stopper departed Tottenham Hotspur at 16 years old. 

Martin revealed Thornton was "so keen" to bring Lumley in during the summer, with the departure of Willy Caballero confirmed. 

"It was a bit of a special day on Saturday as he had left when I made my debut so it was my first professional game with Deano there," Lumley added. 

Daily Echo: Joe Lumley helps keep Walsall at bay for his debut clean sheetJoe Lumley helps keep Walsall at bay for his debut clean sheet (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I can't thank him enough. He has been incredible for me my whole career - even when I was at different clubs, I would be on the phone to him for advice.

"If it weren't for Deano, I would not be where I am now."

Although Lumley was an unknown quantity to most inside St Mary's when the team sheet was revealed on Saturday, he made a good first impression.

His shot-stopping was scarcely tested by the League Two outfit but Lumley exhibited impressive calm and control with the ball at his feet.

He looked natural in Martin's possession-based style and will have relaxed the manager in case a situation where he has to deputise for Bazunu arises.

Lumley explained: "I grew up playing at Tottenham's academy and we played out the back. In QPR's academy when I was there, it was the same.

"I feel like it is a big part of my game but I don't think you ever get to your full potential so I am always looking to improve. 

"The way the gaffer plays, I think is the best way to play football. It's so enjoyable and it makes all the lads want to be there." 

Lumley will likely keep his place for the FA Cup fourth round, to take place later this month, although he is not assuming that as a given.

"I haven't had the conversation yet - we will see what happens," he insisted. "It's great to be in the hat for the next round and to get the clean sheet.

"The lads did brilliant. It was a bit of a shaky start but the second half was great and, as I said, it's great to be in the hat.

"Lads hadn't played or started in a while but they took on board what the gaffer asked and it shows you can put anyone in and they will perform.

Lumley's Saints contract is only until the summer but with 12 professional homes - including nine loans - already, he is hoping to be able to settle down. 

He declared: "I want to be here next year and it is up to me to perform well and train well, but it is not up to me if I am."