Blackburn Rovers midfielder Brett Emerton hopes he finds it a challenge to get back into the first team when he returns from international duty.

Emerton is currently in Qatar with the Australian national team for the 2011 Asian Cup and says he wants things to be competitive when he gets back to Ewood Park at the start of February.

"Hopefully when I come back I am struggling to get a place in the side, that means we will have done well," Emerton said.

"With the January transfer window and a lot of the boys coming back from injury, hopefully there will be a battle for me to get back in the side.

"Obviously we always welcome fresh faces and new talent. As a group of players we want to be the best we can be and finish as high up the table as we can.

"Competition is always healthy within a squad and I think you need that to succeed. Otherwise you can get a little bit lazy and you need to be looking over your shoulder to make sure you play well every week."