PAUL RUTHERFORD is thriving on the added competition for places at Wrexham - even if it means his spot in the team is under greater threat.

Dean Keates strengthened his squad during the January transfer window and two of his five new signings - Dan Jarvis and Davis Keillor-Dunn - are attacking midfielders like Rutherford.

Jarvis has started all three games since joining from Stoke, helping the Reds secure back-to-back wins over Woking and Harrogate before Saturday's goalless draw against Dagenham, with Rutherford lining up on the other wing in a three-man attack, and Keillor-Dunn making a hat-trick of substitute appearances.

Rutherford, preparing for Saturday's clash against fellow strugglers Chesterfield at The Proact Stadium, is not taking it for granted he is guaranteed a starting berth and feels the team can only benefit from the players pushing each other.

"It is nature of the beast that people come and go, people come and challenge for your spot," said Rutherford.

"It is my job to get the best out of them and them to get the best out of me.

"If we all get the best out of each other, then it is going to be good for the club.

"No doubt there are going to be times when I am out of the team and those two are in, and vice-versa, and the same with other lads who aren't in the squad or didn't get on.

"There is a lot of competition for places in this area; one minute you are a hero and the next you are zero, and then it springs back around and you are flying again.

"You just have to take the rough with the smooth and every time you get the opportunity, you have to show why you believe you should be playing."

Striker Jordan Ponticelli, centre-back Jordon Thompson and midfielder Jay Harris - back at the club for a second spell - also arrived at The Racecourse last month, with Keates eager to bring in further reinforcements to boost the Reds' relegation battle.

Rutherford, who joined Wrexham in the summer of 2016 and is the second longest serving player in the squad after Mark Carrington, feels the new additions have breathed new life into Keates' squad.

"People come and go in football, it is part of the cycle," added Rutherford.

"Some last longer than others but it is a good thing and the lads that have come in have given us a shot of life.

"In my case, I came into a team of new players and you have got to go and earn your crust, you have got to show people what you are about.

"You have got to show the fans, your team-mates and the manager what you can bring to the team, and give your all for the cause.

"It is the same with these lads. Just because they are new signings does not mean they are guaranteed anything.

"But credit to the new lads, they work hard and show what they are about every day in training, and they have convinced the manager that they are right for the club and right for him."