Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier insists skipper Stiliyan Petrov is in his plans.
The arrivals of Jean II Makoun and Michael Bradley have cast doubt on his future.
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."
