Dean Brill says he is ready for a fight to earn the right to be Athletic's number one.

The 23-year-old joined from Luton yesterday but will have to see off a challenge from Scottish U21 international Greg Fleming to start the season in goal.

But Brill, who was born and bred in Luton and enjoyed several seasons as the Hatters' number one, insists he's up to the task.

"I'm young and I'm ready for competition," said the stopper, who stands at 6'2".

"I know Greg played a lot of games last year; it won't be easy to get in but hopefully I can show the gaffer what I can do during pre-season.

"I have to earn the shirt.  It's a fresh start for me here and I'm really looking forward to getting started.

"The lads welcomed me on the training ground and that was good as I didn't know anyone here.

"It was good to get everything sorted out so quickly, which allows me to get out on the training ground and get on with looking forward to the start of the season."

Brill was forced to endure the pain of seeing his only permanent club relegated out of the Football League last season after they failed to overcome a 30-point penalty.

Despite winning enough games to secure a mid-table finish, the club's chequered financial past was the deciding factor as they fell short of the safety point - leaving Brill to reflect on what might have been.

"It was hard, mentally more than anything else," he revealed.

"We were always playing catch-up from the word go, but the lads were a good bunch and with a bit more luck along the way we could have done it.

"The Johnstone's Paint Trophy final [win over Scunthorpe] was the high point of the season for me and for all the lads.

"Not many people can say they've won at Wembley; it was a massive day for the club and for all the supporters."

Now Brill - courted by a number of top-flight sides earlier in his career - is looking forward to what he feels could be a successful spell at Boundary Park.

The stopper has backed his new side to do well in League One, adding:

"I've played Oldham a couple of times before and it's always a difficult place to come.

"Having spoken to the gaffer and the staff, I'm really positive about our situation and I think we can give it a really good go this season."

Dean Brill was talking to Latics World - the club's official online TV service.  Click here to sign up today.