West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long accepted his bench role for defeat to Norwich City.
The 26-year-old hitman, who had started Albion's previous five fixtures, says he understands why Steve Clarke named him as a substitute against the Canaries.
"Three games in a week was on the gaffer's mind so he made four or five changes and tried to freshen it up," Long told the WBA website.
"At half-time he gave me and Saido the nod to try to attack a bit more and we had four strikers on the pitch in the second half. We were all over them but we just couldn't get that little break and if we'd got one I think we could've got two or three.
"The gaffer did it last year with myself and Rom [Lukaku], giving one another a rest. He's got that depth in the squad to know he can throw someone in there and share the load.
"I think I've been playing well and the gaffer has reassured me of that.
"He wanted to change it on Saturday and I fully respect that."
