SWINDON TOWN midfielder James Dunne believes competition for places midfield can only be a good thing as Richie Wellens’ side attempt to mount a late play-off charge when facing Tranmere today (3pm).

The ex-Arsenal trainee has played 21 times this term – including eight appearances under Wellens – while putting in a string of consistent performances that have made him a candidate for Town’s player of the season.

Only Michael Doughty and ex-loanee Steven Alzate have made more appearances in central midfield this season as Town’s line-up has been regularly chopped and changed.

Reflecting on his recent performances, Dunne feels he has not always been at his best - but the threat of losing his starting jersey has pushed him on to reach higher levels of performance.

Dunne said: “I am quite honest with myself and against Northampton, I didn’t play too well.

“Jak came on and did well in my position. That is the competition for places, which is good.

“I came back in against Macclesfield just after half-time and felt good and refreshed and ready to go and we went on to win the game as well, so I kept my place, which is good.

“We have quite a lot of central midfield players and the more competition for places, that is better for the team.

“If you don’t have competition for places, some people might think: ‘I am playing next week so it doesn’t matter’.”

“We have got some very good midfield players – Doughts (Michael Doughty), Smudge (Martin Smith) and Toums (Toumani Diagouraga) – those guys are sitting on the bench.

“It just shows you have got to be on your game because if you are not, someone else comes in.

“Like Doughts on Saturday, in half a game he came on and scores two goals and gets us back in the game and gives us that lift.

“I don’t mind the competition.”

Dunne will be hoping to be a part of the Town midfield that is aiming to complete the league double over Tranmere, following the dramatic 3-2 comeback-victory at the County Ground back in August.

“Tranmere is a good stadium to play at,” said Dunne.

“I think they came off the boil when they found out they had Tottenham in the FA Cup, but that is over now and they are probably looking to get back to pushing up the league, just as we are.”