RICHIE Bennett is looking forward to facing extra competition in the Barrow AFC squad next season.

Bennett has established himself as a first-choice striker under boss Paul Cox this season – leading the club's scoring charts alongside Byron Harrison, with 22 apiece across all competitions.

The 26-year-old former Northwich Victoria man built up a strong partnership with Harrison up front during the first six months of the season, and took on the role of leading the line during the latter's injury-enforced absence between January and Easter Monday.

His form has restricted Ross Hannah to a place on the bench for much of the campaign, while the likes of Harry Panayiotou and Inih Effiong have played only bit parts since their arrivals.

But Bennett expects the competition for a starting place will be even tougher next year – with himself, Harrison and Hannah already contracted, along with the injured Dan Cockerline, and decisions to be made on Panayiotou and Effiong.

Added to that, Cox seems certain to bring in new strike options during a summer recruitment drive as Barrow aim to push for a place in the Football League – with their play-off ambitions this term having ended on Saturday, despite their win at Braintree Town, by Aldershot's victory at North Ferriby United.

Bennett is looking forward to stepping up to the test of re-establishing himself as first-choice in the team next year, and said: “I expect there are going to be new faces and fresh faces. Any season is a starting point for everyone to prove that they deserve to get the shirt again and be back in that squad.

“I'm looking forward to a bit of competition – I think it's always good to have healthy competition. You've got to look at Ross Hannah, who has been on the bench ready to come on, Byron is coming back, you've got Jordan who can play up-front as well – there are always players for the places. Plus, you've got Harry as well, who's on loan at Salford at the minute.

“You just look at the squad now and there are always goals and quality there in the position I play in. It will be even more interesting come pre-season, when we get some fresh faces in.”

Harrison seems certain to be among the front-runners for a starting spot come next season, having netted his 22nd goal of this season against Braintree, his first since his return from the near-three-month lay-off with an ankle injury.

He made a short substitute appearance in the Easter Monday win over North Ferriby United before coming off the bench again in Essex, and Bennett – who has been the man to make way on both occasions – is delighted to have him back.

“It's a big lift for ourselves,” he said. “Byron's a great lad to have in the dressing room and be part of the team. His experience helps the lads, and that is maybe something I have missed a little bit up top – to give a bit of advice in my ear now and then to help me.

“It's great for the team to get such a good, experienced player back.”