Bolton Wanderers fullback Sam Ricketts feels he is a better player for battling with Gretar Steinsson for a starting place.

Ricketts has started every game after arriving from Hull in the summer and is determined to keep that run going.

He added: "Obviously Gretar (Steinsson) had a good season last season and I came here knowing that I would have to fight for my place.

"It keeps you on your toes knowing that there is someone as good as Gretar pushing to be playing every week.

"There is a situation where competition for places is fierce in every position throughout the team."