Johnny Hunt says he isn't fazed by the increase in competition after Chester FC boss Steve Burr added to his options at left back.
Burr added former Kilmarnock and Colchester United full-back Ben Gordon on a non-contract basis last week and the 24-year old impressed in the 10-1 Cheshire Senior Cup rout of Winsford United on Tuesday night.
Hunt, a summer signing from League Two side Cambridge United, has been an ever-present at left-back for the Blues this season and has been one of their most solid performers during a campaign blighted by inconsistency.
But Hunt has welcomed the challenge that a new left-back brings and says it only serves to increase his motivation to put in a performance in a blue and white shirt.
READ: Steve Burr adds Ben Gordon and Luke Woodland to squad
"Even if there wasn't any competition I always try and push myself no matter what," said 24-year-old Hunt.
"If the gaffer has brought someone else in I'll just have to keep my standards, keep performing and hopefully stay in the team.
"I signed here on the verse that I want to play left back but I've always said that I want to do a job for the team. I'm always happy when I'm playing and as long as I'm starting on a Saturday and a Tuesday I'll be happy."
Chester are without a game this weekend owing to the FA Cup first round but return to Vanarama National League action on Tuesday (7.45pm) when they welcome struggling Kidderminster Harriers.
Kiddy finally got their first win of the season at the 19th time of asking on Saturday when they claimed a 1-0 home success over Woking. But despite Harriers' lowly league position, Hunt says the Blues can ill afford to take Dave Hockaday's side lightly.
"They have been struggling but they have drawn a lot of games but they haven't been far off winning and it'll be a tough game," said Hunt, whose Chester side are at home for three of their next four games.
"We go into a little run of fixtures now and we're looking to take some points from them. Hopefully this break will set us up beyond Christmas and hopefully we can pick up some points and get up that league.
"Whatever game you go into, anyone can beat anyone in this league. It wouldn't have been nice if their first three points from that league game (with Chester). We can't let our standards drop, from the last three league games anyway, (we need to) cut out the mistakes and hopefully come away with the win."
Despite their patchy form this season the Blues are currently seven points off the pace in the play-off race but Hunt believes that all that matters is what position the club are in come the end of the season.
"I'd rather be there at the end of the season than now and then fall on the way," he said.
"We can't be happy if we were in the play-offs now but ended up finishing where we are now. You would rather it be the other way round and we can push for the play-offs at the end of the season.
"I know we have been indifferent with a bit of form but we haven't had much luck. We're not far off it. We've got three home games out of the next four so hopefully we can take some points from that and we'll see where we are."
