Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn has declared that he is ready to battle to retain his starting spot for the club's defense.

Mike Zimmer's men signed veteran defensive back Terence Newman to bolster their secondary, which also includes Xavier Rhodes as well as Munnerlyn.

With Rhodes seemingly a lock to start, Munnerlyn has accepted that he will have to fight to keep his spot and is confident of beating out Newman for the role.

"I'm ready for the competition," Munnerlyn told the Pioneer Press. "I'm an athlete, so I never feel like anyone can beat me out. I feel I can hold onto the job. I'm betting on myself.

"I think it's great. He's a veteran. It's great for competition. It will bring out the best in me. I'm excited about the competition. I just know that I've got to play a lot better than I did last year."

The 26-year-old recorded 61 tackles and two interceptions for the Vikings last season.