Vassell relishing challenge

Striker rolls out the welcome mat for new arrivals

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 22nd January 2008

Darius Vassell celebrates

Vassell: Competition is good

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Darius Vassell has revealed that he cannot wait for new faces to arrive at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Despite making only 10 starts for Manchester City in the Premier League this season the England international feels that it is essential that the squad is freshened up, despite the threat that would then provide to his place in the side.

Mexican international Nery Castillo remains Sven Goran Eriksson's only piece of business during the transfer window so far, but with the club still in the hunt for a UEFA Champions League spot this season more arrivals would appear to be imminent.

Vassell believes that competition for places is healthy amongst any squad as it helps to instill the correct attitude in players and will eventually lead to the side experiencing long-term success.

Work hard

"You should always be thinking that your place in the side is up for grabs," the striker told the Manchester Evening News.

"New faces coming in, and competition, should spur you on to do even better.

"I was in that position myself earlier in the season when we signed eight new players and I wasn't in the side, struggling with injuries and finding it hard to get in.

"The only thing you can do is try harder in training and up the work rate.

"That is the kind of attitude you have to have right through the team if you want to be successful."

Effective job

Vassell had been offered the opportunity to join Derby or Besiktas during the summer as new boss Eriksson attempted to stamp his authority on the club, but after notching his third goal of the season in the 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday the striker is now hoping to re-establish himself at Eastlands.

"I just go out there with the aim to be someone that my team-mates can rely on and that means doing a share of the hard work, getting back challenging and putting myself about," he said.

"I don't mind where I play, be it down the middle or on the wing.

"Often a manager will ask players to play out of their normal position just to help the team and moaning about that kind of thing doesn't help the team. I am happy that wherever he puts me that I can do an effective job."