LIAM Chilvers, Notts County's sixth summer signing, is relishing the challenge of forcing his way into the Magpies' defence that set a club record of 26 clean-sheets as they won the League Two title last season.

Chilvers, 28, has signed a two-year deal with Notts, and will go straight into their squad to face Cardiff City in a pre-season friendly at Meadow Lane today.

He knows he faces a battle with Graeme Lee and Mike Edwards to win a place in the heart of the Magpies' defence in League One this season, and insists he will thrive on the fierce competition.

He said: "That record shows the players here are very good and it means I'm going to have to come in and try and match them, and show a bit more to get into the team.

"It's a good thing to have everybody fighting for the places. It was be competitive and I think it will bring the best out of the players, which can only be a good thing for the club."

Chilvers, who began his career at Arsenal and won promotion into the Championship with Colchester United in 2006 before spending the last four years at Preston North End, is excited about the new season at Meadow Lane.

"It's great to be here and I'm looking forward to the new season now," he said.

"The manager is putting together a strong squad, with a lot of players with experience of playing in the Championship.

"It is a club that won the (League Two) title last season and still has a lot of ambition to enjoy more success. That is why I came here.

"We should be aiming for promotion this season."