Fleetwood's Rob Atkinson eager for regular spot

Atkinson made 127 appearances for Grimsby since joining on loan in 2007

Fleetwood defender Rob Atkinson says he is relishing the competition he faces to win a regular place in the starting line-up at Highbury.

The 24-year-old, who is set to face his former club Grimsby on the opening day of the season, believes having rivalry for each position is a good thing.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It makes you play your best week in, week out.

"In my position there's four good centre-halves who'll be fighting for the two places available."

Atkinson added: "I like the competition and I'm looking forward to getting involved and trying my best."

The former Grimsby captain is one of eight players recruited by last season's losing play-off semi-finalists.

He signed a two-year deal with Micky Mellon's side and admits he only found out about Fleetwood's interest while on holiday.

"It came out of the blue," said the former Barnsley, Halifax and Rochdale centre-back.

"I got a call from the assistant manager [Steve McNulty] to start with to see if I'd be interested.

"I then spoke to the manager to see what his plans were. I liked what he had to say, so it came about really quickly.

"I think the ambition that everyone at the club has shown certainly matches mine and I'm looking forward to getting underway."