TOMMY Bowe believes the Ospreys' old guard are playing for their places as the region's next generation of youngsters start snapping at their heels.

Bowe is gearing up for his third season at the Liberty Stadium after being named the Magners players' player of the year for 2009-10.

The 26-year-old was unable to collect his award as he was on a training camp with Ireland.

And the Lions wing reckons it will come in handy as competition for a place in Scott Johnson's starting XV intensifies.

"I'm very excited to be back into it all again, but I'm nervous at the amount of talent we have coming through at the minute," said Bowe.

"They're making a fool out of me because I'm only just back into pre-season.

"It's exciting now and I'm far from complacent about getting my spot in the team."

Richard Fussell has switched to the Ospreys from the Dragons this summer, joining the likes of Shane Williams, Nikki Walker and a host of youngsters vying for spots out wide.

And Bowe insists the Ospreys have never had such strength in depth as they prepare to defend their Magners League crown.

"Richard has always been in top form for the Dragons, and then there's Eli Walker, Kristian Phillips and Tom Prydie," he said.

"These boys are raising the bar so it's up to me to reach that level and try to raise things further.

"There's strength in depth throughout the team, but the strength in the wing and back three positions is exceptional.

"People are biting at the heels all the time and I don't think anyone who finished the season against Leinster would feel confident of a place in the team this year.

Complacent

"One of the main reasons I moved to the Ospreys is because I can't get complacent. Everyone is pushing me on."

The Ospreys kick off the new campaign against Ulster at Ravenhill next Friday in an expanded 12-team league containing Italian pair Benetton Treviso and Aironi Rugby.

"There are going to be four more matches and an opportunity to rotate the squad, bring young players in and show the standard we want to play at," said Bowe.

"We were delighted to win the league last year and we'd love to be able to retain it.

"Ulster first is going to be very difficult. They've made a couple of great signings this summer.

"They've spent a bit of money and brought in some real senior professionals.

"They'll be very difficult to beat, they're a very proud club on their own patch.

"But we've had a good pre-season and we'll be hoping to build on that."