Southampton manager Mark Hughes has insisted that Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long has a future at the Premier League club.
Long, along with team captain Steven Davis, were left out of Saints' 18-man squad for the goalless draw with Burnley on the opening weekend of the new season.
The Tipperary native appears to have slipped down the pecking order following the deadline-day signing of striker Danny Ings.
Manager Hughes, who had a fully-fit squad against the Clarets, insists the experienced duo will continue to play prominent roles at St Mary's.
"I've explained to the guys that didn't play that it's not a reflection on me thinking I don't need them or they're not in my plans because that's not the case," said Hughes ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton.
"I think players, unfortunately - and it happened in my day - when they are not in the first 11 for the first game of the season all of a sudden they get a little bit anxious and think maybe my future lies elsewhere and agents are telling them they've got to move.
"And that's not the case with Shane and the likes of Steven Davis.
"They're very much part of what we're going to do this year and I just said to them: 'At the end of the year, you'll look back on the season and you'll find that you've played many, many games so bear with me'."
