Turner has made four appearances for Sunderland this season

Sunderland's Michael Turner says competition for places at the centre of defence has had a positive impact on the Black Cats this season.

Turner, John Mensah, Anton Ferdinand, Paulo Da Silva and Titus Bramble are all vying for a role in Steve Bruce's starting line-up.

"There's huge competition," Turner told BBC Newcastle.

"It's a good thing to be kept on your toes and to know you need to put in a good performance to keep the shirt."

Sunderland have conceded just seven goals in seven Premier League games this season.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have all failed to defeat the Black Cats during that time, thanks in part to the displays of Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who moved to the Stadium of Light from Saint Truiden during the summer.

"He's done very well," said Turner. "He's been thrown in the deep end a little bit really but he's shown what he's all about.

"He's only young and looks to have a huge future in the Premier League.

"And with Craig [Gordon] back now, breathing down his neck, we've got two top-class goalkeepers vying for the number one spot."

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