Matthew Jurman's status as Newcastle Jets co-captain won't guarantee he replaces suspended centre back Jordan Elsey against Wellington Phoenix, says coach Arthur Papas.
Playing his 150th A-League game against Perth Glory last week, Elsey was shown a red card for a karate kick that connected with David Williams' head as the pair contested the ball.
The Jets ultimately won the game 2-1 but will have to contend without the important Elsey for their next two fixtures.
A former Socceroo and the club's sole captain last season, Jurman looms as the most obvious replacement option.
But Papas won't give him a free pass from the bench to the starting side for Saturday's game at McDonald Jones Stadium.
"It's a whole squad and that's just the way football works," Papas said.
"I have huge respect for everything he's done since he's been here but I've got a whole squad to choose from."
Papas will wait until the last minute to confirm his final choice, likely to be between Jurman and English right-back Carl Jenkinson, who arrived at the club this season.
"It gives someone else an opportunity," Papas said of Elsey's suspension.
"We'll make a call based on what we think the game needs and who's put their best foot forward.
"There are a couple of options. We can vary the way we want to go about building up from the back and also defending."
Wild weather forced the postponement of the Jets' first match of the season and the lack of game-time was noticeable in the early stages of their win over Perth.
Papas said his side would continue to find its rhythm with more time spent together on the park.
"I'm pleased with the progression but I still think there's a lot of work that we've got to do together as a team," he said.
"We'll get that by playing matches as well. We didn't have a lot of matches in the pre-season.
"It's important to play more together and build relationships."
