Angus Cottrell was in fine form before an ankle injury ended his 2014 season © Getty Images

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The Western Force back-row was among the top loose-forward trios of the 2014 Super Rugby season and returning flanker Angus Cottrell knows just how tough it could be to earn a start in 2015.

The Queensland-born Cottrell was being whispered as a potential Wallabies back-rower until he was cut down by a horrific ankle injury against the Crusaders, ruling him out of the remainder of 2014. Now back at pre-season training with the Force, Cottrell knows just how hard it will be to crack the franchise's run-on side for 2015 with Wallabies Matt Hodgson and Ben McCalman virtual selection certainties at No.7 and No.8, respectively.

"Probably just to back up some of the games I had this year," Cottrell told reporters on Tuesday when asked what his goals were for 2015. "Obviously my main priority is just getting back into the (Force) starting XV or in the 23; wherever they (coaching staff) see me. Just having strong performances so I can help the team out as much as I can.

"The backrow has definitely got some strong competition with big Steve Mafi coming in - he's a big boy - and Chris Alcock coming back from shoulder reconstruction. And then there's Ross (Haylett-Petty), he's a monster for a young kid and I'm sure he'll be thereabouts come the start of the season."

Cottrell had developed somewhat of a reputation as a "hit-man" before his injury and had also proved to be a capable ball-carrying option. But the 25-year-old back-rower believes he can do more with ball in hand, after identifying areas of improvement with the Force coaching staff.

"We sort of identified the things I did well this year and sat down with the coaches towards the end of the season and they identified a few areas of my game that I could work on. So I'll do my best to scratch up on those areas…in contact, sort of in attack trying to break the line and hold my feet as much as I can."

As for the ankle injury, Cottrell said he was happy to be back training with the Force boys after plenty of individual rehab in the pool and gym. "The ankle's feeling all good," he said. "It's been a long time since I've been back running around with the boys but I've done all my rehab and it's feeling strong; so I'm just ready to go for next year."