Matt Doherty has opened up on his battle with Serge Aurier to be the first-choice right-back at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Republic of Ireland international joined Spurs from Wolves in the summer for a reported £13.4m transfer fee in a deal that many expected would signal the end of Aurier's time in north London.
Linked with a move to AC Milan, it was somewhat of a surprise that the former Paris Saint-Germain defender was still at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when the transfer window closed.
However, Aurier has proved in recent games that he's worthy of his place in the Spurs team at present.
Brought back into the XI after the international break to replace Doherty who was unavailable for the 2-0 win over Man City because of a positive Covid-19 test, the Ivorian has proven to be difficult to dislodge.
Excellent in subsequent games against Chelsea and Arsenal - helping Spurs keep a clean sheet in both - Aurier has given Jose Mourinho a selection headache at right-back.
And Doherty is relishing the battle.
Speaking ahead of Spurs' London derby against Crystal Palace, the defender has revealed why competition for places can only be a good thing for the team.
"I love it here," Doherty said. "I came here in the summer and we're fighting it out, driving each other on, whether he plays or I play, we've pretty much played half and half this season, so we try to get the best out of each other, and any competition is going to improve the team.
"You want to play as many games as possible, you want to stay sharp, and there is nothing like game fitness.
"Fortunately, people who haven't played one game have managed to play the midweek game, so everyone is fresh enough.
"I guess whatever the team is, we're all in pretty good nick."
Doherty could get his chance to impress Mourinho against Palace as Aurier is doubtful for the game after sitting out the 2-0 Europa League win over Royal Antwerp on Thursday night.
Victory for the Lilywhites will see them end gameweek 12 as league leaders, as long as Liverpool's goal difference does not significantly improve in their game against Fulham.
