Scott Kerr expects midfield battle as competition for a starting place increases

LINCOLN CITY skipper Scott Kerr insists competition for places will be vital for the Imps this season if Chris Sutton's men are to be successful in League Two.

For the majority of pre-season, the 28-year-old has found himself in a three-way battle with Clark Keltie and new signing Josh O'Keefe for one of two central position spots in a four-man midfield.

However, Cian Hughton's impressive performance in a five-man midfield during Wednesday night's 0-0 draw with Norwich has given Sutton more food for thought.

Kerr has played more than 200 games for the Imps during a five-year stay at Sincil Bank, but the Leeds-born midfielder is far from complacent.

He knows he faces a fight to get into Sutton's side for the new League Two campaign but says that healthy competition is the best way for the club to progress.

"Every year I have been at the club there has been competition for places and this season is no different," said Kerr.

"There needs to be a squad of players pushing hard for places and working hard as everyone is going to be needed at some stage.

"No one expects to be first pick and everyone has to be ready to put a shift in and work hard when required."

Kerr played for 68 minutes against the Canaries before being replaced by Keltie as Sutton continued to give the majority of his squad solid run-outs.

And the former Scarborough midfielder said he was heartened by the display compared to the Imps' performance in the 4-1 defeat to Celtic.

However, he stressed it was important that supporters did not carried away.

"If you look at the Norwich game, it was so much better than our performance against Celtic," admitted Kerr.

"You could not really ask any more of the players. The lads worked really hard for 90 minutes, caused Norwich a few problems, created lots of chances and showed that they are raring to go.

"But performances in pre-season don't mean anything and the only thing that matters is our match at Rotherham on August 7.

"A couple of years ago we beat a very strong Aston Villa side 3-1, then went on to have a disappointing season."

Kerr will be starting his sixth season at Sincil Bank, having been signed by the late Keith Alexander.

After reaching the League Two play-offs in his first two seasons at the club, his last three campaigns have been in stark contrast, with the Imps fighting against relegation for much of the time.

"We have been fighting down at the wrong end of the table for the last three seasons," said Kerr.

"It's not just me – all of the team want to put last season behind them and look forward to the new campaign.

"We have worked hard and the excitement is growing in the squad the closer we get towards the first game."

Chris Sutton will send a young Imps side to Grimsby for the Lincolnshire Senior Cup clash tonight (7.30pm).

Meanwhile, former Imps Paul Connor and John Schofield have found new clubs.

Striker Connor has signed for Blue Square Premier side Mansfield while former City boss Schofield has joined the coaching staff at Cambridge United.