ZAK Whitbread aims to push Richard Keogh and Jake Buxton for a place at the heart of Derby County's defence this season.
Keogh and Buxton formed a solid centre-back partnership last season, resulting in Whitbread spending most of his loan spell from Leicester City on the substitutes' bench.
But the 29-year-old enjoyed his time at the club and had no hesitation in joining Derby permanently on a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
Now he says he is ready to challenge for a starting role.
"It is about coming in and looking to get a shirt," said Whitbread. "I had some good options but I had a great time here last season and I am delighted to be a Derby player.
"Even though I did not play many games, it is a great club and a club that is going in the right direction.
"It was a special ride last season. Unfortunately, we didn't quite do it (win promotion) but it was great to be a part of the set-up with the coaching staff and the fans, and especially the lads, who were top drawer.
"We will look to push on again this season and I am confident in my own ability. I can come and challenge for one of the two centre-half spots, as well as Richard and Bucko have done.
"They were tremendous last season but I would not be here if I didn't think I could challenge for a place and that is what it's all about.
"If you don't have that competition, people can get comfortable. I am looking forward to pushing the two lads."
Whitbread made only four appearances as Derby finished third in the Championship and reached the play-off final.
His debut came on a topsy-turvy, emotional evening against Ipswich Town when the Rams trailed 4-1 at half- time before they stormed back to draw 4-4 in the first fixture following the sacking of manager Nigel Clough.
New head coach Steve McClaren watched from the directors' box as Whitbread scored an own goal and one at the right end.
"It was a mad, hectic start for me," Whitbread recalled.
"The old manager had just left and I got the call to come and play football.
"The Ipswich match was an interesting game and the first sign of the character of the lads in the way they battled back to take a point.
"Unfortunately, I got injured after two or three starts in the side and Bucko, fair play to him, did really well.
"If you are not playing, you are still part of things because it is a squad game.
"You have to support the lads who are playing because you would expect the same if you are playing.
"We all get on really well. We are all after the same goal."
Whitbread is confident Derby can push for promotion again.
"We need to carry on where we left off last season," he said. "Some of the performances were top drawer and if we reproduce them and keep the same hunger and desire and the same quality, we will give it a really good go."
