"The back-row was always going to be one of the strongest positions," said Warburton, who leads the Lions against Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow.

"I first thought: 'Flipping heck, that's strong, look who is not there - Chris Robshaw, Stephen Ferris, if fit, Kelly Brown'. So it was always going to be a tough ask to play for the Lions in the back-row.

"I definitely have to fight as hard as anyone. I was honest with Warren and said what I don't like about captaincy is you don't want to become complacent and know you've got a starting place.

"I like going to team meetings when they announce the squad to the boys.

"You want to have a surprise like everyone else and not know whether you are picked and go to bed the night before wondering if you are going to play.

"I like those feelings. Those feelings are what drive you in training to be a better player. I would never be complacent, ever.

"That is not in my nature anyway. I think I am a good competitor who is always striving to get better. I would never sit back and relax, never think the Test spot would be assured. That's definitely not the case."

Warburton, the first Welshman named as Lions tour skipper since Phil Bennett 36 years ago, sat out victories over the Barbarians and Western Force for precautionary purposes while a puffy knee settled down.

But he is now fully fit to lead a team showing 13 changes from the 69-17 triumph against the Force and aiming to make it three wins from three.

"Every player was told that they were going to get a start. Others have been waiting just like me," he added.

"I have been in this position in the Six Nations when you've got to sit out a couple of games. I am pretty used to that."

If the Lions are to win a first Test series since 1997 and topple Australia, then it would see Warburton enjoy some welcome success at the Wallabies' expense.

Wales lost to them four times last year, in addition to a 2011 World Cup play-off defeat, but he has not succumbed to having an inferiority complex against them - far from it.

"In 2012, we played them four times and lost three of those games by a whisker," he said.

"I like to think we can learn from those experiences, and then throw into the mix Scotland, Ireland and England, the best of those countries, that has now tipped the scales in our favour.

"I am always optimistic and extremely confident that we can do a good job over here."