JAKE Speight has welcomed the intense competition to win a regular starting berth at Mansfield Town this season.

The diminutive striker signed from Droylsden after training with the Stags in the latter stages of last season.

The 23-year-old and Rob Duffy are two of what is now five front men on the books at Field Mill.

But former Sheffield United trainee Speight, who has also played for Bury, Northwich Victoria and Farsley Celtic, feels that can only be a good thing.

"It is always good to have healthy competition. You don't want to go anywhere where you just expect to be in the team," he said.

"I think everyone is going to get their chance over the course of the season. There are a lot of matches with the cup games as well and we are going to need a decent squad.

"I can play either up front or just behind but probably more on the last man where I can use my speed.

"I'd say my strengths are that I'm powerful, fast and hard-working. Hopefully I can get a good rapport going with the fans.

"I can't wait for the season to start. Now I have to get myself a regular place in the team.

"I think you have to look at ten goals by Christmas as a realistic target."

Speight is delighted to be back at a full-time club after his progress has been hampered by injury problems.

He said: "I'm quite confident I can make the step up. I have played in the Conference and League Two before.

"I've had couple of seasons of bad luck, but that's behind me now. I had a knee injury and that's why I had to drop down. I had to make sure I was fit before I made the step back up."

Ryan Williams has agreed a new two-year contract.