Danny Simpson: "Competition's part of football – it keeps you on your toes.
"It makes you want to improve and train even harder, because if you don't do well, someone will take your place.
"Perchie's done well, and obviously Ryan Taylor's done well in the Carling Cup. He's got a couple of goals.
"I think it's healthy that there's competition. You never know with injuries and people getting suspended. As long as I'm fit, I'll be ready for when Chris decides to give me a game.
"I know myself and the way I like to play – I like to be fully fit and get up and down the pitch.
"I wouldn't want to come into the first-team not 100 per cent.
"I've been out a long time, so when I come back, I want to be champing at the bit, and able to get up and down the pitch like I can.
"I'll get another reserves game under my belt, keep training with the first team, and I'll nearly be there.
"It's been hard – I don't think I sat out one game at St James's Park last season," added Salford-born Simpson.
"I've been supporting the lads. It's been tough watching, but at the same time it's been good, as we've been doing pretty well.
"There's a good camaraderie in the squad, and hopefully we'll pick up some more points in the next few games."