Justin Hoyte has a simple strategy for reclaiming his place in the Arsenal side - lift his game to the level of Bacary Sagna.
The English right back made 23 Premier League and Champions League starts in 2006/07 but was restricted to just four last term.
The 23-year-old admits his disappointment over that reduction but accepts the quality of the man keeping him out of the side. So this term Hoyte's policy will be a combination of hard work, patience and seizing his opportunities.
“This season is a very important season for me,” admitted the England Under-21. “I did not feature much last season which was a big disappointment for me. So obviously I just want to play as many games as I can and hopefully I’ll do that.
“But I know it is very tough. Bac has come in and done fantastically well. He is a great player. I just have to be very focussed in training and everything I do.
“Then when I do get a chance I have to show the manager I am as good as Bac so I keep my place.”