Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier insists Stiliyan Petrov remains a key part of his plans despite dropping the midfielder for the recent draw with Blackpool.
Petrov was one of the first names on the team sheet under former Villa boss Martin O'Neill but appears set to lose out after Houllier bolstered his midfield in last month's transfer window.
The arrivals of Jean Makoun and Michael Bradley have increased competition in the centre of the park and Houllier said: 'Stiliyan is still part of my plans but if he says "I want to play every game", I'll say "no".
'He's the captain so he must lead by example. I'm very pleased with his attitude. He's been influential in me changing the philosophy we have here. He's still got a lot to give.
'You can play only 11 players at one time but it is the squad, and the unity of the squad, that makes you win.
'When there is no competition (for places), teams go down. If you don't accept competition, you don't do this job.'
?Beye rejects loan move to Ipswich to fight for his place at Aston VillaCuellar leaves Villa short as hamstring injury sidelines defender for a monthYoung puts talk of his future on hold until the end of the seasonAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion
?Explore more:People: Martin O'Neill, Michael Bradley, Gerard Houllier, Stiliyan Petrov
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail