Wednesday 5 November 2014 16:39, UK
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has challenged Anthony Knockaert to prove that he deserves a regular role in his Premier League plans.
The French winger played a prominent role in last season’s Sky Bet Championship-winning exploits, but has been restricted to just one start – on the opening day – this term.
Two substitute appearances have been made since facing Everton in August, but Knockaert has slipped sharply down the pecking order at the King Power Stadium.
I am not interested in an individual's plight and bad luck. It is about players buying into a squad ethic and being ready to be selected and, if they are not, then they won't be selected.
It has been suggested that he may seek a loan move in an effort to find much-needed minutes, but Pearson has sought to assure the 22-year-old that a recall can be earned.
He said in the Leicester Mercury: "He (Knockaert) has to continue to play well and be available for when the manager decides it is right to pick him, as it is for any other player in the squad.
"All the players in the squad need to be ready to take their opportunity and, if they are not, then they deselect themselves. That remains the case on a daily basis.
"Any player at any club needs to be ready to take their opportunity. There are only ever 11 starting positions.
"If you talk to any manager he will talk about picking the side he thinks will be best to win any game.
"I am not interested in an individual's plight and bad luck. It is about players buying into a squad ethic and being ready to be selected and, if they are not, then they won't be selected.
"That is no different this year, last year or the year before.
"Any player who plays for me must understand what is required. I am not interested in players who are training-ground players or players who hit one height one week and then not the next."
