Last season James McClean started far more West Brom games than he was used as a substitute, 28 as opposed to seven. So far this season, it has been the opposite for the Ireland international. He's made seven starts and 14 substitute appearances.
McClean's last start for his side was in the FA Cup last month against Derby, a 2-1 defeat. His last start in the Premier League was way back in October against Man City.
It's a worrying trend considering McClean's importance to Ireland last year.
According to West Brom assistant manager Dave Kemp, McClean has been the victim of the club's increasing squad depth. The winger picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Man City and missed his side's subsequent game against Leicester - he has not started in the league since.
You miss a game and the team plays well, someone takes your position, that's football. It's a good thing.
If you were losing every week you'd be making changes, but the team is playing well week in week out at the moment.
He must bide his time like everyone does. We've got a good group of lads here, very professional, train well.
The summer acquisitions of both Nacer Chadli from Spurs and Matt Phillips from QPR have been to the detriment of McClean's first team opportunities. The pair have started 16 games and 23 games, respectively, for West Brom this season.
