CONOR Pepper isn’t sure if Jim Duffy still sees him as an option at right-back — but believes the increased competition for the position will bring out the best in him if he does.

The Irishman excelled as a converted defender last term before finishing the campaign on the sidelines due to an unfortunate knee injury.

Although Ton boss Duffy has added a natural full-back in Michael Doyle this summer, Pepper will be giving it his all to reclaim the starting spot if viewed as a contender for the role.

He told the Tele: “If you don’t have competition for places, you can maybe slack off. I have to prove myself if I want to play. I see it [the signing of Doyle] as a good thing.

“I really enjoyed myself at right-back. It was a different challenge, but as the season went on it stopped becoming a novelty — it’s about understanding the job you’ve got to do.

“If the manager says he wants me to play there again next season, I’d have absolutely no problems with it. In fact, I’d probably enjoy it. But maybe the manager doesn’t want to play me at right-back, so I’ll just have to wait and see.”