This is Leicestershire --Dean Hammond says the Leicester City squad is even stronger than he first thought.
The midfielder, who joined City as a free agent last month after leaving Southampton, made his full debut in the 2-1 win over Derby County on Tuesday, and he said the talent within the squad has surpassed his expectations.
"I knew it was a good squad but, after training with them and playing with them, I think it is a brilliant squad," he said.
"It is a very talented squad and the boys have started the season brilliantly.
"We are in a good position. It is a long season but we have shown we can be really competitive.
"But we can't get carried away. We must take it a bit at a time and see where it takes us.
"The players have shown great character and team spirit to keep coming back from behind to win games. They really work for each other and show a lot of belief.
"Not every game is going to be free flowing and you sometimes have to grind out a result. That's the sign of a good team.
"Belief like that is massive because you are sometimes going to go behind in games."
A stunning free-kick from Anthony Knockaert and a winner three minutes later from Danny Drinkwater gave City victory.
Hammond said he had been particularly impressed with Knockaert.
"It was a great strike," he said. "As soon as he hit it I thought it had a chance.
"He is a talented player and he is on fire at the moment. Long may it continue.
"I have seen him score a few good goals in training but not as good as that."
Hammond said he was settling in well at City and would soon be up to full speed.
"It was good to get some fitness under my belt as it was my first start in a long time, but I enjoyed it," he said.
"I have been working hard in training but you get your proper match fitness from competitive games.
"I had to push myself at times but I felt good. I have been training hard and the club has been great with me.
"I think I did okay. There were some good and bad things as usual, but it was my first game for a while so I can't expect too much straight away."
• Follow Leicester City v Barnsley - live at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, September 28, 2013. Reported by This is 3 hours ago.