New Blackburn signing Liam Feeney admits he is not guaranteed a place in the starting line-up as there is strong competition for positions throughout the squad.

The winger joined Rovers on a free transfer from local rivals Bolton last month, embarking on his second spell at Ewood Park after spending time on loan at the club during the 2013-14 campaign.

The 29-year-old faces competition from the likes of Ben Marshall, Craig Conway, Elliott Bennett, Connor Mahoney and John O’Sullivan if he is to force his way into Owen Coyle’s starting line-up for the opening Championship match of the season against Norwich on home soil on August 6.

The former Millwall player believes the competition for places will be good for the squad going forward, as Rovers bid to improve on the 15th place finish they achieved in the Championship last season.

He said: “The competition we have is going to be good for the squad. Everybody is going to be pushing each other for a shirt and whoever gets it in that first game is going to have to work hard to keep it because the lads who haven’t will be really pushing for it.”

Feeney is one of five new arrivals at Ewood Park this summer, alongside Danny Graham and Anthony Stokes on permanent deals and Stephen Hendrie and Jack Byrne on season-long loans, and he believes that Coyle has added quality to an already strong squad.

He added: “I think the gaffer has added to the quality that was already here.” Blackburn are available at 2.75 to kick-off the new season with a victory, while Norwich are priced at 2.60 and the draw is on offer 3.10.