Cort joined Stoke from Crystal Palace in November 2007

Stoke City defender Leon Cort believes the competition for places at the Britannia Stadium is an extra incentive for the players to perform well.

The Potters made 10 new signings following promotion to the Premier League, but Cort has featured in all seven games so far this season.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "Strength in depth is a good thing.

"No-one can ever be certain who will play, and with lots of players for each position it keeps you on your toes."

The 29-year-old began his career with non-league side Dulwich Hamlet and is now enjoying his first taste of top-flight football after spells with Millwall, Southend, Hull and Crystal Palace.

"It is a dream to be playing in the Premier League," said Cort.

"But when I go out on a Saturday I don't get starstruck about the players I'm playing against, I just try and concentrate on what I've got to do."

City have so far struggled in their first season as a Premier League side, taking just four points from their opening seven fixtures.

But Cort said that the Potters have proved they can compete with the elite of English football.

"I don't think we've played anyone this year who's ran us off the park," said Cort.

"At times we've put teams under a lot of pressure. We might not yet have got a lot to shout about but we've definitely got things to work on."