Stoke City boss Tony Pulis insists Eidur Gudjohnsen is in his plans.
Questions have been raised about Gudjohnsen's fitness and his future with the Staffordshire outfit, but Pulis remains confident that the 32-year-old's time will come.
Asked if he was disappointed with the way things had gone with Gudjohnsen since the Iceland international's arrival at Stoke, Pulis said: "Not really. Eidur joined us as fit as the rest of the players.
"He had not done a pre-season and there has been a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes. He needs time and I still think he'll play a part in this season."
Pulis pointed to the form of Stoke's other attacking players as a major factor in Gudjohnsen's lack of action, but highlighted the example of Asmir Begovic, who has recently usurped Thomas Sorensen as first-choice goalkeeper, as evidence that players can break into the starting XI if they seize the chances that come their way.
"He (Gudjohnsen) has been fantastic, smashing," Pulis said.
"He is good around the place and good with the other players, but Ricardo Fuller has done exceptionally well, so has Kenwyne Jones and Tuncay, and Jon Walters has done better than anyone else would have imagined.
"Eidur has had competition and that is what you have got to accept. You've got to have it at Premier League clubs.
"If they weren't doing it, then obviously there would be a better chance for Eidur to come into the team and play, but the lads have been given their chance and they have taken it.
"He needs a run of games and a chance in the team, a bit like Begovic. Asmir was disappointed he never got a chance early on, but he got his chance, he has stayed in the team and it is his slot now to lose."
