Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish says he benched Cameron Jerome for victory against Stoke City over fears of burnout.
Eck has assured Jerome he has a big role to play for the remainder of this season.
McLeish said: "I spoke to Cameron before the game. I try to communicate with players who have maybe been left out from the week before.
"I explained to Cameron I want to keep strikers with an edge because Cameron has run for fun from the start of the season right up to now. You end up burning a guy out big time, especially a guy who has pace and power.
"I thought 'it will do you no harm, have a wee look at things off the bench, come on and make an impact'.
"I said 'it can change with a click of your fingers and your confidence can soar overnight'.
"I'm sure, with the performance when he came on, that will be the case with Cameron."
