Source: Team_Talk
Gardner ready to fight for place
The England Under-21 midfielder would appear to be down the pecking order with Stiliyan Petrov, Steve Sidwell, Nigel Reo-Coker and even newcomer Fabian Delph having been given first-team outings this season.[LNB]But Gardner, who helped Stuart Pearce's side reach the final of the European Championships in Sweden this summer, is determined to try to force his way into Martin O'Neill's plans.[LNB]Gardner said: "This is a massive season for me. I'm 22 now and I want to be involved in more games.[LNB]"Last season I played in quite a few of the cup games but not as many Premier League matches as I would have liked.[LNB]"There is a lot of competition for places. My preferred position is central midfield and we have Stiliyan Petrov, Fabian Delph, Steve Sidwell and Nigel Reo-Coker.[LNB]"It is very hard to compete against players like that but I'm not the kind to roll over. I intend to keep fighting for a place. We will just have to see what happens.[LNB]"All I can do is keep working hard, try and impress the manager and hope I get picked. But it is good to be part of such a great set-up."[LNB][LNB]
