Joe Westley says fierce competition for a starting role is driving Dundee's strikers on.

The Dark Blues' scoring form has been a big factor behind their good start to the season, with their 17-goal Premiership haul bettered only by the Old Firm and Hearts.

Westley is the club's joint top scorer, alongside Ashley Hay, with five goals in all competitions.

"When all the strikers are scoring it is good to be part of an attack that is doing well because you create for each other and you want to score as many goals as you can," said the 22-year-old.

"So if everyone is firing and doing well it increases your chance of getting goals and assisting as well, so it is a really good time to be an attacker at the club.

"It is starting to click between everyone and whoever is on up front I think has got a great understanding of what is wanted from them and it gives them the best possible chance to score goals and win games.

"I think it is a healthy competition, everyone wants to be playing and be in the team.

"So when you have got Ash and Bradley (Fink) scoring it means 'Right, I need to up my game and score as many as I can when I am given the chance', because you know when you have got the shirt people are waiting to take it off you."