Crystal Palace defender Martin Kelly says he is not concerned about threats for his place in the side.
Kelly has started the season in the heart of Palace’s back line which has conceded just two goals from their first four league games.
With James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho close to a return from injury, Kelly could be replaced in the line-up.
But the former Liverpool man has vowed to keep working hard and is relishing the increased competition.
“There’s always competition in a Premier League team, it’s healthy, you need that,” he told the Palace website.
“You need players who are going to stay fit who are going to come in at the drop of a hat if there’s injuries and who can play at the highest level against these elite opponents.
“It’s good that we have got defenders that do have a lot of experience and we’re all working day in day out with the sessions the manager is putting on defensively and we’re trying our best.
“We’re looking quite strong defensively and we’re continuing to try and hold that fort down so the offensive players can do their bit.”
Kelly is thrilled to have summer signing Gary Cahill at the club and feels Palace will benefit from his years playing at the top level with Chelsea.
“Gary’s brought a lot of experience, coming from Chelsea. He’s won a lot of honours with them so it’s good to have Gary on board,” added the 29-year-old.
“He brings experience, he seems calm under pressure. He’s here to help and he’s joined a good squad that’s eager to try and impress our manager.
“We have a vibe in our dressing room that brings togetherness that you need to survive in the Premier League. I think that’s been vital in the years since I’ve come to the club. We’ve all been together through ups and downs.”