Little frustrated at exclusion

Last updated : 10 October 2006 By Angus Muller
"In the summer I thought I'd be signing a new deal but that never happened.

"So I just got on with it. But then I picked up an injury in pre-season which knocked me back.

"I'm over that now but it seems I'm not good enough for the first-team bench at the moment. I'm not sure what's happening."

Little came off the bench in the victory over Sheff Utd but was not in the squad for the games against Man Utd or West Ham.

"I think I've been playing well for the reserves and that I had a good game against Darlington.

"I had a bit of a knock on the ankle at the end of the reserves game against Chelsea but it was nothing and I've trained every day as normal.

"The fact is I just can't get into the squad of 16 which is very disappointing.

"But I'm frustrated because I wasn't even on the bench for Manchester United which was the biggest game of the season.

"I was desperately looking forward to that one and not making the bench was a real blow.

"I've always said that if you get injured and someone comes in and does well you can't complain.

"I had that last season when I was playing and others were desperate to get in the team.

"That's part and parcel of football. But, to be honest, if I'm not in the team I expect to be on the bench at the very least."