AMARI’I Bell has an exemplary appearance record of late, but knows he faces a tough challenge to force his way into the Rovers starting line-up.

Bell has missed just four league games since signing for Fleetwood in 2015 but will need to displace Derrick Williams who has been a firm fixture since Tony Mowbray took charge.

Williams, two years Bell’s senior at 25, was Rovers’ player of the season in 2016/17 and has started every league fixture under Mowbray.

As a result Bell knows he will have to be patient for his opportunity.

He said: “I know that when I do get my chance I have to hit the ground running. There’s no time to take it easy, I need to be on the ball.

“I knew before I came that that he boys have done very well. For me to get into this team I’ll have to take my opportunity with both hands when it comes.

“In all fairness to Derrick, he’s done very well this season and he’s played a lot of games so it’s tough competition.

“It can be tough to sit back and watch but I have come here to help the cause and as long as we win games and get the points, I’m happy to be available for when my opportunities comes along.”

Bell was out of contract at Highbury this summer and was always expected to move in the January window.

Rovers’ pursuit began at the end of December, before coming to a conclusion last Friday, with Bell continuing to play for Fleetwood during that period.

For that he won praise from his former boss Uwe Rosler, but Bell said he was never worried his move to Rovers wouldn’t materialise.

He added: “I wasn’t concerned, I thought that I would play my normal way, concentrate on my football and eventually it would happen which it did.

“First of all it was a big game, you don’t get to play against Premier League opposition every day so it was a game that I did look forward to.

“I was committed to the cause, on the transfer front I was confident if I put in a good performance then something it would happen.

“I’m excited it has happened now. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the lads and all the staff, so I can’t wait to get out there on the pitch now and get some minutes.”

Bell watched from the stands as Rovers beat his former employers.

Of that, he said: “I wished the Rovers boys good luck and it felt a bit weird watching it at the start, but I’m here now and want the club to get as many points as we can.

“The boys just got on with it. The manager and staff knew all about Fleetwood’s strengths and weaknesses anyway so I didn’t really have to say much!”