St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson expects loan signing Reece Devine to be challenging for a start from the off.
And that is exactly the kind of competition the cup double-winning boss is after as the 2021/22 campaign prepares to kick-off.
Left-sided full-back Devine (19), who has ventured north from Manchester United, has looked sharp in pre-season friendlies.
There could be a big chance for him this weekend in the curtain-raiser against Ross County with Callum Booth recovering from a knock.
“Reece was a wee bit behind when he came in but he’s getting fitter and stronger,” Davidson said.
“You can see what he’s got in his locker. He’s going to put pressure on Callum for a starting place.
“That’s what I want. I don’t want anybody to be comfortable.
“He’s got pace to burn and the fitter he gets, the more he’ll be able to show it.
“Callum was probably our best player for the last couple of months of the season so he’ll be a hard man to move out of the team.
“But Reece is a young man with determination to succeed.”
Saints, who are waiting on a work permit for Finnish forward Eetu Vertainen, have an exciting couple of weeks coming up.
“I’m happy with the squad I’ve got,” Davidson said.
“We need to try to keep injuries to a minimum because it’s a busy spell we’ve got coming up.
“That was an important part of our success last season. It was obviously a great season but there are things we can improve on.”
