Paul Mattick believes his wealth of experience on the international circuit will ensure he keeps his place in the men's lightweight four boat at the 2012 Olympics.

The Leigh-on-Mendip rower has been a fixture in the boat since 2006, including competing at the Beijing Olympics where he finished fifth.

During that time he has also helped the boat to two World Championship titles, as well as a bronze in the same event last year, and Mattick is counting on those past achievements to secure his spot in London.

"I think most people in the squad were in the medals if not world champions from last year," said the 33-year-old.

"At the moment there are five or six people fighting for a spot in my boat and they are all world champions.

"Two of us are Olympians and double world champions and the rest are world champions but there are only four seats.

"We've got a period of testing coming up where we will work out who is in each boat. It's an ongoing process which started years ago and there is always new information being gathered.

"Eventually a decision will be made and we will go with that. If you are not at the top of your game, other people will jump in front of you.

"I've been rowing for quite a while now but I'm still progressing mentally and physically. There are other guys in the squad who maybe haven't been doing this as long as me but are on a faster learning curve.

"We have just got to maintain our levels and try to be the best we can be but I do have an element of experience, which is important.

"It's easy to do lots of testing but maybe then you don't perform as well as you think you should in the big races.

"We found that out last year as we didn't have the communication we should have. If it's a new crew, that happens a lot more than an experienced crew. You learn to know what actually is required rather than thinking you know.

"All four seats are up for grabs but hopefully the coaches can see my experience, which is important within the crew."

Mattick will now be hoping for a strong showing at the national senior trials at the London Olympics venue at Eton Dorney in early March before the World Cup series gets under way in May.

The 2012 Olympic team will then be named in early June.

An interview with Mattick will be aired on the Somer Valley FM Sports Show from 6pm on Tuesday and will also be available on www.somervalleyfm.co.uk afterwards.