RORY DELAP is relishing the competition for places in Stoke City's squad now . . . even though it leaves some of the Club's established stars with a fight on their hands.

The experienced midfielder will be hoping that he can maintain his record of making more appearances for City in the Premier League than any other player, but he knows that it is going be so much tougher with the exciting arrivals at the Britannia Stadium.

Delap has been impressed with what he has seen of Eidur Gudjohnsen, Marc Wilson and Jermaine Pennant since they joined the other recent signings Kenwyne Jones and Jon Walters, all of which means City have so many more options going forward.

"It's good to have competition for places and we certainly have that at this Club now," said the 34-year-old as he looked forward to Monday's visit of Aston Villa.

"We all want one of those shirts, so I am sure everyone, the players included, will be interested to see what the gaffer decides for the Villa match. The great thing is that we have some exciting options and the new signings have all fitted in well.

"Seeing the likes of Eidur Gudjohnsen around the club is a brilliant thing for Stoke City and I am sure everyone is excited about seeing the new signings play."

City secured a crucial first Premier League victory over Villa at the Britannia Stadium two years ago and they will be hoping for a similar 'first' on Monday.

After defeats in their opening three matches of the new campaign, the Potters will be eager to secure their first points of the season against Villa.

"Winning our first home game in this League against them two years ago means it brings back some nice memories for us," recalled Delap.

"It's going to be a tough one, but we certainly aren't feeling sorry for ourselves after those defeats and the new signings have given us all a lift."