Steed Malbranque insists he is not troubled by the challenge posed by Japanese World Cup star Junichi Inamoto for his role as Fulham's attacking midfielder.
Malbranque, scorer of nine Premiership goals from midfield last season, watched from the substitutes' bench as the newcomer recruited from Arsenal plundered the hat-trick which enabled Fulham to win their first-ever European trophy as the overcame Serie A side Bologna 3-0 in the Intertoto final second leg in midweek.
But the 22-year-old Frenchman insists their presence in the squad will ultimately benefit the club, who were paired with Hajduk Split in Friday's UEFA Cup first round draw.
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Fulham midfielder Steed Malbranque
aiming high
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He said: "It isn't really a problem. There is always going to be competition and it's up to the manager to decide who is the best player for the position," he said.
Even though they are ostensibly competing for the same slot in the team, he said: "It is a possibility we can play in the same midfield. That is also up to the manager but I'm not worried."
Malbranque's significant goal input from midfield was instrumental in Fulham cementing their place in the Premiership last season following their runaway Division One title success.
But he was not totally satisfied by it and his three aims for this season are more goals, success for Fulham and the chance to make the sort of impression which will force him into the full French national side.
To do that Malbranque, who has already captained his country at under-18 level and made his mark in the under-21 side, will have to prove a point by making an impression and convincing France's new manager Jacques Santini and persuading him he is worth a chance as he strives to rebuild the 1998 World Cup winners following their disappointing exit from this summer's finals in Japan and Korea.
Malbranque admits he failed to manage that first time round when Santini was his boss at French club Lyon before his move to south London just over a year ago.
"Of course it's something to prove. At Lyon things didn't go quite so well and I didn't really get a chance to play but if I work hard I will be rewarded.
"There is always the opportunity but it has to start with some good performances for Fulham and my first goal is to work hard for Fulham," he said.
Ironically, his rival Inamoto's scoring exploits could well have presented Malbranque with the stage on which to impress Santini by securing Fulham's place in the UEFA Cup.
He is relishing the return to mainline European competition dipping his toes in the water with Lyon as they reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals three years ago and qualified for the main Champions League draw the following season.
"It's always good to play in Europe and it's important for Fulham that we have qualified," who is unconcerned about the dangers of falling into the trap which engulfed Ipswich last season as they failed to reproduce their UEFA Cup performances in the Premiership and were relegated.
"I'm not worried about it. The UEFA Cup and staying in the Premiership are both important but we have a good squad of players who are strong enough to cope with both competitions," he said.
"We have already scored some good goals and had a good start to the season. It has given everyone confidence," he added.