West Bromwich Albion captain Chris Brunt accepts it's a bigger battle this season to keep a first team place.
Brunt admitted Albion's late-summer recruitment could leave many established first-team figures kicking their heels in the dugout.
"It was frustrating and disappointing not to be playing, especially when you're sitting and watching the team struggle a little bit," said Brunt.
"But it's a squad game nowadays and I'm sure there will be times this season when it will happen to other people - and it will happen to me again.
"We have invested in a squad and throughout the season you have to rely on everybody.
"I was glad to play on Saturday and was pleased with my contribution and hopefully I've done enough to stay in the team for this week against Sunderland."
