ALAN Sheehan faces his biggest battle yet for the left-back spot at Notts County, says boss Keith Curle.
Irishman Sheehan, 26, has been first-choice in the Magpies' back-four ever since he moved to Meadow Lane 16 months ago and has quickly racked up 51 starts for the club.
But Notts have now signed experienced ex-Leicester, Derby and Watford defender Jordan Stewart on a short-term deal until January.
Stewart, 30, impressed on his debut for the club even in their 1-0 defeat against League One leaders Tranmere at home last Saturday.
Sheehan was suspended, but he is available again now, having served a one-game ban, so Curle has a big decision to make between the two players when Notts face promotion rivals Carlisle United at Brunton Park tomorrow.
"Jordan has bags of experience and knows the left-back position inside out," said Curle.
"It definitely gives Alan more competition than he has had before – and he knows it.
"It's the same for everyone, not just at full-back, but in central defence, midfield and up front as well.
"We are starting to acquire players that give us more options."
Curle has also strengthened his defence with the loan signing of centre-back Ashley Eastham from Blackpool and he still hopes to seal a deal with Damion Stewart.
Stewart, 32, was a big hit at Meadow Lane on loan last season.
He spent four months with Notts, playing 17 league games and scoring two goals, as they made a late surge for the play-offs in League One.
He was released by Championship club Bristol City at the end of August and has been training with Notts ever since, but no deal can be agreed until the Jamaica international sorts out his work permit.
"His name is going up the queue," said Curle. "It's a waiting game. It's like waiting for a fine wine.
"When it eventually arrives hopefully it tastes as good as it looks."
