Birmingham's Larsson: Competition good for me

Birmingham City midfielder Sebastian Larsson says the competition for places has lifted his game.

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Larsson must have felt under threat when boss Steve Bruce recruited Daniel de Ridder from Celta Vigo on a Bosman.

But Larsson started the season and, as de Ridder has struggled for full fitness after taking a knock on the ankle, it is the Dutch winger who has it all to do.

"The competition for places probably increased by 100 per cent this summer," Larsson, referring to Bruce's transfer dealings, told the Birmingham Mail.

"There are some quality players here and we have a really big squad. For a few games there have been some really good players left out completely.

"That makes you maybe work that little bit extra, and you need that. You know if you are not going to perform you won't be part of the next game. I just hope that I can keep performing and that the team can progress."