Carr (left) made 93 appearances for Northwich

Morecambe defender Michael Carr has revealed his determination to make the most of his first-team opportunities.

The 24-year-old became Sammy McIlroy's first signing of the summer after joining on a free transfer from Northwich Victoria in May.

"It's nice to be involved again," Carr told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"Pre-season's a lot harder than it was at Northwich, so I'm just keeping my head down and hopefully I will benefit from it."

And the Preston-born player has already noticed a big difference in the set-up at Christie Park.

I know nobody's place is safe because of the competition here, but that's a nice position to be in Morecambe defender Michael Carr

"It's a lot more professional," said Carr. "We're doing double sessions every day, so it's taking a lot out of you.

"But it's going to help you for the season ahead, and hopefully around Christmas time we'll start feeling the benefits of that.

"The league is a lot more physically demanding, so you have to prepare for it in the right way," he added.

Despite the increased pace of League Two, Carr feels his game will suit Morecambe's style of play.

"I'm an energetic player who gets box-to-box, gets his foot in and will pop up in the box now and again. Hopefully I'll get a few goals as well.

"I know nobody's place is safe because of the competition here, but that's a nice position to be in," Carr continued.

"There's six or seven central-midfielders all deserving to play. But you just have to try your hardest to make sure you stake your claim for a place early on."