JOE Colbeck believes stiff competition for places on his return from injury will drive him on to improve.
The Grimsby Town winger is back after a three-week lay-off caused by a knee injury.
He was a second-half substitute during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Ebbsfleet and is fit for the trip to Gateshead tonight.
But with on-loan Aldershot wide-man Scott Neilson having recovered from a groin strain, and Bury loanee Marcus Marshall fresh from scoring his first Town goal, Colbeck may have to bide his time for a return to the starting-XI.
That prospect doesn't faze the former Oldham Athletic player, however.
He said: "The competition (for places) doesn't bother me. If anything, it helps, and it's good for the team.
"It makes you strive and want to play better, and I will always back my ability.
"I've been out for a few weeks and coming back has been great – you miss training every day.
"Everyone's good friends and it's a good atmosphere around the place.
"We're doing well and are up where we want to be in the table.
"We've got to make sure we're still there after Christmas – then we'll be in a strong position to build from.
"It was a disappointing result to come back to on Saturday, but we'll take a point away from home at a tricky place.
"To be honest it was a bit tricky coming on as a substitute. The match was end-to-end and was tough work, but I was delighted to back."
Colbeck is enjoying being part of a squad battling at the top of the league table after his experience of being relegated with Hereford United.
He said: "In the past I've felt like I've had to do things purely as an individual to try to benefit the team.
"But here, it's a team effort.
"We're all good players but we're a good team and one that's exciting to play for.
"I'm enjoying that we're going into games expecting to win, wanting to win and confident that we can win.
"No disrespect to Hereford, but last year it was tough – we were going to places thinking, 'God, is it going to be another loss – let's just try and get something'.
"But in this team it's a totally different mentality."
The 26-year-old feels the Mariners are poised to battle for a Football League return this campaign.
"I've played in the League and I know this team is good enough," said Colbeck.
"No matter who you are, you want to play at the highest level possible.
"If anything, there are players here that are better than ones I've played with when I've been at League teams."
