Adri Munoz is having a bumpy ride keeping goal for Whitehawk.

Opposing big men make sure of that as they challenge at set-pieces.

But the National League club’s Catalan shot-stopper is loving his chance in English football – and grateful for a recommendation by one of his best mates.

Munoz has made the No.1 spot his own and quickly become a favourite with fans during Hawks’ faltering start to the season.

Having arrived on a trial for the vacant spot of back-up goalkeeper, he was thrust into the limelight when Lucas Covolan was sent off at Ebbsfleet.

He responded by helping them to a 1-1 draw and has kept two home clean sheets, albeit in disappointing 0-0 draws with Wealdstone and Concord.

Fans made him their man-of-the-match in the 3-1 defeat at St Albans last Saturday.

Adri, who comes from Girona, told The Argus: “I can still improve.

“I haven’t been doing as much gym work as I’m used to. I’m not used to having eight games in a month.

“In Spain, in the third division for example, you play at the weekend and Catalunya Cup or Spanish Cup sometimes.

“It’s amazing the amount of games we have here and that has been what has surprised me most.

“But I’m feeling good. I have confidence in myself.”

Asked about any differences between England’s sixth division and the third tier in Spain, he replied: “You see some very tall goalkeepers here!

“I’m very good in the air in Spain but I find it tougher here.

“They given you knocks and pushes, they give you everything and you can’t really jump perfectly like they let you in Spain.

“But I’m enjoying it and trying to keep clean sheets – as we have managed recently.

“I need to work, work, work and improve.”

Munoz came close to making the professional grade in Spain, playing in the second and third tiers.

But he was keen to broaden his horizons and a contact in Brighton paid off.

Ramon Marimon, the defender Hawks signed early in the summer, tipped off boss Pablo Asensio when he knew the hunt was on for a second goalkeeper.

Munoz said: “It has been a dream to play abroad, discover the world and know about other leagues.

“In Spain I was training with professionals. I started out with Valladolid but I didn’t really have that chance to continue at a high level.

“Pablo called me with the help of Ramon and he suggested coming here.

“I didn’t think twice. I had an enormous desire to go abroad to live and experience the football here.

“Pablo wanted a young goalkeeper with potential and I knew Ramon from when we played for Manlleu.

“We also played for a local club in Girona when we were 15.

“We’re friends. He knows what I’m like and how I play and he told Pablo about me.

“Pablo said to come and have a trial and I was here for three or four weeks. When they said they wanted me I was really happy.”

Covolan completes his three-game ban as Hawks go to Bath City aiming to kick-start their season.

Marimon, who took a whack to the calf against Concord, is likely to be fit. Rodrigo Mann and Marvin Hamilton also come back into consideration.