Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has no problems fighting for first-team football at St James' Park. The 28-year-old faces competition for his place in the side following new arrivals at the club, although he has started every league game so far this season.
Newcastle travel to Barton's native Merseyside at the weekend to face Everton, and despite his good start to the campaign, knows he is not guaranteed a spot in the team.
"We have competition for places and it's up to the lads who get the starts to hold on to that shirt," he said in the Newcastle Chronicle. "And that's the same for everybody here.
"We've got new players coming in and they are coming into a strong squad.
"I'm fully fit now and had the full pre-season under my belt. I've got the chance to prove it in a good team."
Barton was targeted by Wolves midfielder Karl Henry during their clash at Molineux last month, but he was pleased that he stayed calm and insists he is not a dirty player.
"My disciplinary record isn't that bad on the pitch, I've only been sent off with straight reds twice," he added.
"I've had a few second yellows, but that comes with when you're a midfielder - it is part of the territory.
"I told (Wolves boss) Mick McCarthy I thought they had targeted me and he told me I was no shrinking violet myself.
"That's part of the game and Mick is a good football man - it's by the by, it's gone."
