Accra Hearts of Oak Chief Executive Officer Mark D. Noonan has welcomed the addition of new signing Ernest Sowah but believes the goalkeeper must earn his place in the team.

The 30-year-old joined the Phobians on a two and half years deal on Wednesday after successful negotiations with the club.

Many pundits have tipped the former Kotoko shot-stopper to dislodge the club’s current number one Benjamin Mensah to take control of the posts for the remainder of the season.

But Noonan insists Sowah will first have to fend off competition in training and prove he deserves to be the first choice goalkeeper.

"Nothing is given. Everything must be earned at all positions on the field. Sports is one of the great meritocracies - you earn the right to play in training every day," he told phobians.com

"We are happy to have Sowah with us and I believe he will bring competition to the goalkeeping department."