Levi Ives believes Cliftonville teammate Aaron Donnelly is maturing into a "top defender" in the Irish League.
Teenager Donnelly has played a pivotal role in the Reds' Danske Bank Premiership title assault this season.
Paddy McLaughlin's side sit top of the table, three points ahead of Linfield, Coleraine and Glentoran, with Crusaders a further point behind in fifth.
Ives is hoping to provide some healthy competition for Donnelly and his other teammates after returning from injury.
The 22-year-old came on for the final four minutes of Wednesday's 1-0 win over Glenavon, his first football since fracturing his fifth metatarsal against Institute on September 21.
"It was great to get back," said Ives, who this week signed a new deal with Ciftonville.
"I don't think the manager planned to use me, but we had a bit of illness in the squad and I was used from the bench.
"The only thing lacking is match fitness. Everything else is great as far as the injury is concerned.
"I just need to build up my fitness, but I am ready if called upon."
Ives added: "The past couple of months have been frustrating. This is the first serious injury I have ever had. It is certainly the longest I have ever been out.
"But it is what it is and I am back now. I feel good."
With Donnelly excelling at left-back, Ives accepts it will be a challenge trying to get back in McLaughlin's first-team plans.
"Aaron has been brilliant. He has been a joy to watch," Ives added.
"He just keeps getting better and better.
"You knew from a young age that Aaron would be a great player, and he is proving that. I think he is one of the best left-backs in the Premiership, if not the best right now.
"He has always been a great defender, but now he is adding an attacking threat to his game, including set-pieces. He is very dangerous from corners and free-kicks. He is a top defender."
Ives - who has made 171 appearances for the Reds since his debut in October 2015 - admits every player is "champing at the bit' to play a part in Cliftonville 's season.
"Aaron deserves to be playing in the team, so I know that it won't be easy getting back in. That's the challenge, and it is the way football works," he added.
"I relish the challenge. It is something I have been used to all my career.
"Everyone i champing at the bit to play in this Cliftonville team. We all want to play. I am sure it is a pleasant headache for the manager to have."
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