JASON Roberts is relishing the prospect of a fierce battle for places next season – but insists he is more than confident he can continue to prove any doubters wrong.

The striker is part of the Blackburn Rovers squad being put through their paces on a gruelling training camp in Austria this week as preparations step up a gear for the new Premier League season.

Zimbabwean Benjani is expected to become Rovers’ first summer signing imminently, having been offered a lifeline after seeing his contract expire this summer, with several more expected to follow.

Boss Steve Kean is expected to splash the cash for a proven goal scorer in the next few weeks, as well as adding reinforcements in defence and midfield, but Roberts is refusing to be daunted by another scrap for places.

He said: “Whenever people doubt me I look back at my catalogue of 100 odd goals and just stop being too bothered about what they say.

“I am positive, glad to be part of this and glad the manager has shown faith in me. I feel I have shown that when needed I come up with the goods.

“All I have ever wanted to do was help the club whenever I could, whether I was in the team or not. Luckily the manager has had the faith to play me more often than not.

“Bring it on (competition for places). It is exciting that is the way you want it to be. You will have people coming in and challenging for places but that is the way it should be. Not a problem for me at all.”

Roberts is already up against Nikola Kalinic, Mauro Formica, Junior Hoilett and Ruben Rochina for a striking role next season and, with Benjani and at least one new face expected to add to Kean’s options, the competition won’t get any easier.

The 33-year-old has been written off several times during his five-year Rovers career, including being completely frozen out by Sam Allardyce last summer, but has repeatedly fought his way back into favour.

“When it has got to the point when we have really needed results I think I have always put in some good performances,” said Roberts.

“There are players like Niko Kalinic, Mauro Formica and Ruben Rochina who will be competing for a place but hopefully I will be in that starting line-up at the start of the season and trying to help the club into the top 10 now.

“Whoever the club have brought in to play up front, I feel I have been a good partner for them. I have always adapted my game and I think I have worked well with Junior Hoilett and a number of players.”

Having signed a new contract to keep him at Rovers for another season at least, Roberts is looking forward to the season ahead, despite reports linking him with a move to Ipswich a few weeks ago.

“I think people got me confused with Nathan Ellington, they put two and two together and got five,” he said.