Jay Conroy admits he is locked in a fierce battle with Luke Garrard for AFC Wimbledon’s right-back berth - but is relishing the challenge.

Conroy was drafted in as cover late last season after Garrard suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament injury in November, impressing enough in eight starts to earn a contract for the coming season.

And with Garrard back to full fitness and raring to go, the 23-year-old realises he has to grab any chance he gets.

Conroy said: “You really have to be on top of your game as everyone in the squad knows there is someone who can fit straight into your place if you under-perform.

“For me that is Luke - and that is a big challenge.

“But I honestly think I can offer something different.

“I have no problem at all with Luke - he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met in football and he is exactly the type of character you need in the dressing room.

“It is a healthy competition between us and that can only improve us both as players.”

The fitness instructor admits he is still living the dream after sweating on his chances of a Kingsmeadow deal.

And Conroy reveals he has had to reshuffle his priorities in the wake of his contract.

He added: “Up until now it has been hard to juggle things around with work, Wimbledon and home life.

“But now the season is about to kick in it is just football, football, football as this is all I want to do.

“Pre-season so far has been really enjoyable - considering we are not a 100 per cent full time club we are certainly training like one and I think that will pay-off for us big time.”

The Dons are likely to unveil a new-look line-up when they face Luton Town in their season-opener on August 8 with boss Terry Brown having drafted in an impressive array of summer recruits.

And Conroy reckons the difference between the Blue Square South title-winning side and the present squad is palpable.

He added: “The major change has the been the confidence everyone has in everybody else’s ability on the ball.

“Last season there were quite a few players that were either not comfortable, or who you did not really want to give the ball to.

“But this year everyone seems to be a ball-player and we will be very attractive to watch.”