Aberdeen defender Andy Considine has welcomed the challenge from new team-mate Graeme Shinnie but insists he will not be giving up his left-back role without a fight.
Caley Thistle captain Shinnie signed off on his Inverness career in style last month by leading Inverness to Scottish Cup glory against Falkirk at Hampden.
Shinnie’s close-season break will be a short one with his new club due back for pre-season training on Thursday, while Shinnie joins the squad next week in preparation for their Europa League qualifying-round tie on July 2.
Shinnie, arguably the best left back in Scottish football, has signed a three-year deal with the Dons.
Considine, who celebrated his testimonial with the Dons this season, has welcomed the arrival of the former Caley Jags captain but is determined to keep his place in the starting 11.
He said: “Graeme will provide competition for me at left back and that’s something you need in every position. It’s healthy and it keeps you on your toes.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him next season and I’m looking forward to the competition I’ll face from Graeme. I haven’t downed tools just yet. I’ll be giving it my best shot.”
It is not just Considine who faces competition for a starting berth next season.
The defender believes the under-20 players, who won the SPFL Development League title, will also be pushing the first-team squad hard in the next campaign.
Cammy Smith started the final game of the season against St Johnstone, while Lawrence Shankland, Frank Ross and Scott Wright all made appearances from the substitutes’ bench.
Considine said: “We’ve seen how well our youngsters have done in the under-20s, with the likes of Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Smith featuring in the first team. The future looks bright.
“The way Scottish football is today, you see a lot of young boys heading south and they don’t really have a chance of winning silverware.
“I know that at Aberdeen with the squad we have and the way we’re playing and the players we’ll bring in next season, that winning another trophy won’t be far away.
“Since the manager has come in everyone has developed at Pittodrie over the last two seasons and I can see us improving even more.
“Top players like Jonny Hayes, Adam Rooney and Niall McGinn have been tied down on extended contracts and keeping them and others at the club is essential. We also have Graeme joining in the summer. So, with all of that the future’s bright.”