Everton midfielder Seamus Coleman insisted he is ready to challenge for a regular first-team spot after impressing in the League Cup.
The 23-year-old played a key role in Everton s Premier League campaign in 2010-11, helping them finish seventh and earning a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination.
Coleman was blighted by injuries last season, but now feels fully fit and able to stake his place in David Moyes plans again, after impressing in Everton s 5-0 dismantling of Leyton Orient at Goodison Park.
He told Everton s official website: It is going to be hard to break into the team this season as we have some quality players and everyone is playing well, but hopefully I can work hard, play well and reproduce that form I once showed.
My first season was great for me and I really enjoyed it. I was looking forward to getting into my second season but I got injured and one or two other things happened.
But I am feeling fit now and can hopefully stay clear of injuries.
After impressing against Orient on Wednesday, Coleman is delighted with the Toffees strong start to the season and is relishing the competition in the squad.
The way the team is playing at the moment, everyone knows they have to play well to either stay in the team or win a place in it, he added.
It is keeping everyone on their toes in training, and also with the good start there is a buzz about the place – long may it continue.