ALAN McCormack has a fight on to earn his place in the Swindon side that will face Crewe on Saturday, but is relishing the challenge ahead.

The Irishman’s move to the Robins last week surprised many, with Town already boasting a wealth of options in midfield.

Boss Paolo Di Canio has brought in Jonathan Smith and Oliver Risser this summer while the likes of Simon Ferry and Michael Timlin were already on the club’s books.

All five will feel they deserve a place in the starting 11 and at the moment it would appear that skipper Risser and Smith are winning the race.

It is unlikely that McCormack made the step down from League One to sit on the bench, but he feels the competition can only be good for himself and Swindon.

“It is a healthy headache to have,” he told the Advertiser. “We have to impress the manager day in and day out in everything we do both on and off the pitch.

“For instance, if we are to start training at 9.30am then we should arrive at 9am, so always trying to stand out to the manager every minute of the day.

“You have to train well, represent yourself well and that is what the gaffer will be looking for.

“Everyone knows what Simon Ferry is about but no one really knows what the rest of us are about, so it is very tough, but it is good competition to have and I am sure it is great to see for the fans.

“If you miss a game through injury or suspension then there is another player just as good to step in.

“At the end of the day it is up to the manager and we can only do our best to earn our place in the side.”

McCormack has been enjoying every minute of his time at the Robins so far and is confident that working with Di Canio will bring out the best of him following a difficult season at Charlton.

“I think the freshness of the gaffer here and how he wants to play football is exactly my game,” he added.

“He wants people who compete, win tackles and force players to make mistakes.

“This is exactly what I wanted to be when I was growing up and becoming a pro, so when he told me what he wanted me to do I was so excited.

“I am determined to get into the team and dying to get going.”