NEW Pool signing Alex Baptiste is looking forward to knuckling down in training as he looks to give the manager a selection problem ahead of the first game with Bristol City on August 9.

After making the move to Bloomfield Road from Mansfield Town for an undisclosed fee the defender has set his sights on staking a place in the starting line-up from the off.

Despite having spent the early stages of his career playing in the League Two, Baptiste is 'confident' he can make the grade in the Championship.

"Obviously it's a massive step but I'm an honest player, I'll give 100% and I'm confident I can do a decent job," he said.

"I'll be doing my hardest to give the manager a headache. Obviously he picks the team but I'll be giving my all in training and pre-season to hopefully be selected for the first game.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for me and I'm here not to let anyone down. I'm quite a solid person and I've got quite a bit of character," he added.