Swansea City boss Russell Martin says Michael Obafemi needs to step up his efforts on the training ground if he is to usurp Joel Piroe and become a regular part of his first-team plans.
The Republic of Ireland international offered up a timely reminder of his capabilities last weekend by netting in the 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City, but has largely struggled for fitness since his summer move from Southampton., making just four appearances for the club so far.
The Swans boss says the 21-year-old still has some way to go before he can be considered fully fit.
"It's a fitness issue," he said when asked about Obafemi's first-team chances.
"He played 90 minutes against Luton and got injured and then he's only trained maybe one full week, maybe two, since then.
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"And also we have to respect that the guy in front of him has done brilliantly for the team."
The striker's bid for fitness has come against the backdrop of Piroe's early success, with the Dutchman finding himself in scintillating form since his move from PSV.
Piroe has netted eight goals in all competitions so far this term, and is unsurprisingly the first choice forward for Martin at the moment.
"He's selfless," Martin continued. "He puts the team first and understands his role in the team. Does it with real discipline.
"He's been excellent, so Michael has to be a little bit patient.
"They're there to help each other. Joel was tired and Michael came on and did really, really well, so he has to maintain those standards. Not only on a Saturday afternoon, but during the week.
"If he's able to do that consistently, and get himself fitter and fitter, I'm sure he will find himself getting more time on the pitch."
Martin has a clean bill of health ahead of the visit of Peterborough United this weekend, with several first-team stars turning out for the under-23s this week in a bid to hone their fitness.
Midfielder Flynn Downes is one of those back in contention, after being withdrawn from the 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion with a suspected hamstring niggle.
“Everyone is fit,” Martin confirmed. “Flynn Downes is back in the squad. He’s been brilliant since he came in.
“Flynn is improving all the time, he’s a great character and always wants to learn. He has fitted into group perfectly so it’s great to have him back."
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