Albion leading scorer Roman Bednar has told the Baggies’ new-look loan duo to ‘bring it on’ in the battle for places at the Hawthorns.

Bednar insistss he will rise to the challenge of reclaiming his place from on-loan pair Marc-Antoine Fortune and Jay Simpson.

But the six-goal Czech hitman has admitted he faces a fight to get back in the team, after the encouraging debut outing of the Simpson-Fortune partnership in the 3-0 win over Middlesbrough when Bednar was suspended.

The former Hearts striker said: “I have always said that every team needs competition to be at its best. The more good players you can have at any club, the better it is for the team.

“The lads who played last week did really well and if they get a run in the team now I can’t complain. I want to play in every match and if I am on the bench I won’t be happy. But I know that I won’t play all the time and I will fight for my place.

“I will work hard in training and in the matches when I get a chance. I know I can score goals in the Premier League if I am in the team.”

Bednar was full of praise for 20-year-old Simpson, who has caught the eye of Baggies fans since he joined on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season.

But the top scorer, who scored crucial goals in the recent home wins against Manchester City and Tottenham at the Hawthorns, believes he could also form a useful combination with fellow ‘big man’ Fortune.

The trio are competing with Luke Moore and Craig Beattie for places up front in Tony Mowbray’s team.

Bednar said: “Every time I see Jay he impresses me.  He has pace, tricks, can score a goal and is full of confidence at the moment. The more I see him the more I can’t believe Arsenal have let him go.

“I think he should already be close to their first team. I think any two good players can play together. Some managers might want a big man and a small man, but if you look at good players around the world they can all play together.”