Burnley boss Sean Dyche is delighted with the competition within the squad after a successful summer market.
Dyche added three outfield signings during the summer transfer window and – crucially – kept hold of all of his bug guns barring out-going goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Erik Pieters was the only one of the new trio to start against Southampton last Saturday, with Jay-Rodriguez coming off the bench against his former club and on-loan midfielder Danny Drinkwater watching from the stands following his deadline-day arrival from Chelsea.
And Dyche admits everyone now has a fight for their place after Pieters had claimed Charlie Taylor's starting spot at left-back.
“Charlie's been a bit unlucky. He is a bit behind the curve," Dyche added.
“He missed the early part of pre-season and that work is really important. We've tried to fast-track him through the games.
“But in balancing that, Erik has laid down a marker.
“He has made it clear in pre-season he's not here to make up the numbers.
“He's been at it all pre-season, fit, well, lean and wants to play.
“We want that competitive edge.
“We've got Jay-Rod as well and Drinky will get fitter. He's in good shape, actually, and we've been really pleased with that.
“But he needs a week to 10 days to get more used to us and get a feel of it. But those lads who've come in will know there's a competitive spirit.
“It's respectful, which is important, but there are people laying down markers already, which I think is a great thing to have.
“We have got real balance to the look of our squad now and I've got faith in all of them."