Arsenal ace Jack Wilshere has insisted that he is "up for the challenge" of earning a place in central midfield next season.
The 23-year-old came to prominence as a central-midfielder during his breakthrough season in 2010-11, but long-term injuries since then have invited other players to stake their claim.
The England international was often used in a wide role in another injury-hit campaign last term.
Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey were all unused in Wednesday's 4-0 win over a Singapore Select XI, and although Wilshere hails the "unbelievable" competition, he feels up to the task.
"It's unbelievable and it's down to us as individuals to make that place ours," he told the club's official website.
"That's going to be tough, of course it is, but I'm up for the challenge and I'm sure all the other boys are as well."
Wilshere netted a penalty in the pre-season friendly as Arsenal advanced into the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy.