Brian Easton is relishing a battle with Scott Tanser for the left-back position when St Johnstone return to action after the winter break.
The former Hamilton Accies and Dundee defender made his return to action in the second half of the Tayside derby before the new year.
A knee injury had kept him out for two months, during which time Tanser impressed as his replacement.
Easton has continued to work hard on his fitness during the break but knows that he’ll have a fight on his hands to become a first team regular again.
“You could tell as soon as he came in for training in the summer that Scotty was a really good player,” he said.
“He’s played well in the last couple of months and there’s real competition to get in the team, which is what the manager will want.
“Come the Scottish Cup game (against Albion Rovers) and in the weeks after we’ll be pushing each other along.
“That’s what you need.
“It’s something I’m used to, and I like it. I had it with Tam Scobbie before that.”
