BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) – Celtics coach Doc Rivers opened his daily press briefing Wednesday by saying how impressed he’s been with Ricky Davis. But the talented but sometimes troubled forward acquired last year from Cleveland isn’t even assured of being in the starting five this year.

The seventh-year pro is battling with Jiri Welsch, who started most of last season for Boston.

“I’m not really trying to come off the bench anymore. I did it last year because I came here kind of late, but I’m fighting for this starting position,” Davis said at the Celtics training camp at the University of Vermont.

Whoever starts, Davis and Welsch will both play prominent roles, Rivers said.

Like Davis, Welsch wants to start and feels he’s done what it takes to earn the spot.

“I would want to start but it’s not up to me, it’s a competition,” Welsch said. “I’m coming into training camp feeling more confident. I’m physically and mentally stronger after this offseason.”

A native of the Czech Republic, Welsch struggled through his rookie season with Golden State in 2002-2003, averaging just six minutes per game.

He was dealt to Dallas but, before he’d even suited up for the Mavericks, he was acquired by the Celtics last October in the trade that sent Antoine Walker to Dallas.

He started 68 games last season, averaging more than nine points per game and shooting 38 percent from three-point range.

One other possibility is that the two players could be on the floor at the same time. Rivers noted that Welsch has succeeded in different roles during camp.

“I really like him, and am trying to find out where to put him,” the coach said. “Jiri played most of the day at point guard and he was phenomenal, so now he really has me confused because I don’t know where to play him.”