COMPETITION for places at Worcester Rugby Club seems to be hotting up wherever I look at present.

I watched the Warriors overcome Northampton Saints 14-12 this week and I thought Dave Fryday, Richard Nias and Neil Mason all had good games as well as Pete Knight who came on as a back row replacement.

You only then have to look at the other guys such as Ben Clarke, Nathan Carter, Christian Evans, Jim Jenner and Tom Warren to know that you really have to be on top of your game every second of the day at Sixways to keep your spot in the team.

That has to be conducive to producing a committed and energetic display on match days because you know complacency never has a chance of rearing its ugly head.

It is always difficult for coaches because they have the job of keeping everyone hungry and interested in fighting for their place.

I think, with the squad we have, it is always going to be a problem because there are just so many good players about. As players though, we have a responsibility to adopt a squad mentality rather thinking on an individual basis.

We all have a chance of being part of something special here this season whether it is on the pitch or on the training field helping others.

There have been times this season where I've been injured and I hate being out of the firing line but you have to remain positive and keep encouraging those around you. Look at Dave Fryday. He has not had that many opportunities this season but he has worked hard and played well on Monday night.

I'll certainly never hide behind anything. If I'm not playing well - I will hold my hands up. I've always been an honest player and I'm not going to start being any different now. If I'm not playing well enough, I know someone will come in for me and rightly so - that is part and parcel of professional sport.

Whether I am captain or not, it makes no difference to John. I think everyone understands that he is not worried about making unpopular decisions. I don't believe he came to Worcester to win a popularity contest!

The backs, as well, are all fighting for first team spots and during the Warriors match you could certainly see the desire of them to impress our new coach Andy Keast.

Duncan Roke, Scott Barrow, Tony Yapp, Steve Vile, Ricky Pellow, Elton Moncrief and Simon Lewis all played their part in a good win to press their claims for a place in the side against Birmingham & Solihull on Saturday. It will be a very difficult game because it is their biggest match of the season and they will have a point to prove following the hefty defeat at Sixways in September.

I think all the players have been impressed with Andy Keast and his news ideas will give us a real thrust in the final 22. In some games we have failed to take advantage of our possession but his arrival could yet turn things around.

We were all very frustrated that the Manchester game was called off because of the weather but the players are just dying to get out there now and get back to this promotion challenge.