Bent is keen to play with James McFadden and Lee Carsley (Getty)

Birmingham City striker Marcus Bent accepts he will have to fight for a first team place at St Andrew's.

The summer signing from Charlton will be competing up front with James McFadden, Kevin Phillips, Cameron Jerome and Garry O'Connor.

"Competition's a good thing, keeps you on your toes, keeps you wanting it more," Bent told BBC WM.

"So if you do get yourself in the team then you'd better keep yourself in there," he added.

Bent had several options in leaving The Valley this summer, but a mooted move to Wigan never materialised and he turned down the chance to join Cardiff City.

"I was promised a contract at Wigan - unfortunately it didn't evolve," Bent noted.

I'm sure, with the squad we've got, we're going straight back up Blues new striker Marcus Bent

"I haven't spoken to Steve (Bruce) since then. So I decided to come to Birmingham because of the squad they've got.

"Birmingham is a team that's just come down. They've got a lot of ability and a mixture of young and mature.

"I'm sure, with the squad we've got, we're going straight back up."

The 30-year-old is pleased to be reunited with his former Everton team-mates James McFadden and Lee Carsley, and particularly eager for McFadden to stay on at St Andrews.

"James is a big part of the team, but there are other players that can work as hard and perform.

"I wouldn't say it's just down to James, he has got great ability and he is a good striker but I would say it's more important to keep the squad and team together."

Bent may make his first appearance in a Blues' shirt in the pre-season trip to Gillingham on Saturday.