BLACKBURN Rovers striker Paul Dickov today vowed he won't give up his first team shirt without a fight.

The former Leicester and Manchester City favourite knows his place in the side is under serious threat following the arrivals of Craig Bellamy and Shefki Kuqi over the summer.

Mark Hughes knew he had to bring some new blood in up front after Rovers mustered just 32 goals in the Premiership last term - their worst ever return in a league campaign.

However, Dickov has welcomed the two new signings and he believes the healthy competition for starting places that now exists will only help to bring the best out of all the strikers at the club.

"I think it's a good move to bring the new lads in," said the Scotland international. "Last season we did struggle to score goals and the manager didn't have that many options up front.

"But now Shefki and Craig have come in and while that means there's going to be greater competition for places up front, they should also help to give us more of an attacking threat.

"It gives everyone a lift when you bring new players in, no matter what position they play in.

"We did need to strengthen and their arrival is only going to make the team better."

Despite Rovers' well-documented problems in front of goal last term, Dickov still managed to contribute 10 goals to the cause, which is a fair return considering a torn groin hampered him during the second half of the season.

However, the 32-year-old is now back to full fitness and ready to show the manager that he deserves to be a regular starter in attack.

"Towards the end of last season everyone knew I was struggling with my groin, but I also did my knee against Arsenal (in the FA Cup)," said Dickov.

"That was almost a blessing in disguise for me, though, because it gave me the rest of the season to get my groin right again. It's just good to be back in training and playing games pain free again.

"It was a bit of a drag at times last season, but I'm feeling good now."

Dickov has already shown signs of striking up a promising partnership with Bellamy after they played alongside each other during the first half of last week's friendly with Morecambe.

They appeared to have an immediate understanding, but Kuqi also caught the eye when he netted a fine goal as a second half substitute.

"We've already done bits and pieces but there's no set thing," added Dickov.

"It's not as if me and Craig always get paired together in training, it does get mixed up so you can get to know each other's games.

"That can only benefit me as a player and the team."