Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits Steve Sidwell has it all to do to re-establish himself in his midfield.
The former Reading and Chelsea midfielder has lost his place to summer signing Stewart Downing.
"At this minute he has to be patient," said O'Neill. "Wednesday night he came on and he might have been a little bit nervous and anxious perhaps.
"We've seen Steve play exceptionally well last season, particularly when he was playing in a three in midfield.
"I think he has just got to restore his confidence again and get into the games."