Russell Martin says Michael Obafemi needs to prove he is deserving of a place in Swansea City's squad having been left out against Queens Park Rangers.
The forward started the club's first six Championship matches of the season but was only listed among the substitutes at Stoke City a day before transfer deadline day. He was the subject of fierce interest from Burnley, although a move to Turf Moor failed to materialise after the Clarets fell way short of Swansea's valuation of the Republic of Ireland international.
He was subsequently left out of the squad for his side's 1-0 win against QPR last time out, and ahead of the fixture against Sheffield United on Tuesday night, Martin says Obafemi has a fight on his hands to be included in the squad following the impressive displays of others against the Rs.
READ MORE: Swansea v Sheffield United - press conference updates
"Michael will be back in the squad as soon as he’s ready to be back," said the head coach. "That’s where we’re at. He had a turbulent few days in the transfer window.
"After that it’s down to him to show us that he’s in right place to contribute to the team. As soon as he is, he’ll be back in and ready to go.
"He’s been fine. There’s a group of players who won against QPR and did really well. Michael has to compete with those guys and give us a decision to make for the squad ahead of tomorrow."
And when asked if he was upset about not leaving, Martin commented: "I don’t think he’s unhappy to still be here. He was told the move was a lot closer than it actually was at one point.
"When you think something’s there that’s beneficial in ways outside of football, then there’s going to be some disappointment of course if you wanted that to happen.
"But he’s not unhappy to be here still. He understands how important the club has been for his own development and how patient everyone involved here has been."
Meanwhile, Martin is among the list of contenders for the vacancy at his hometown club Brighton following Graham Potter's move to Chelsea. Martin - along with former Swans boss Steve Cooper - has been tipped to succeed Potter at the Amex Stadium, although he swiftly shot down those links.
"When I was at MK Dons I got linked with lots of jobs. I got linked with a couple of jobs here last season," added. "It is what it is. It’s just noise really. We’ve been totally focussed on our job.
"If you’re being mentioned about other jobs it means you’re doing something right, I think. It really doesn’t matter to us. We love the job we’re in and we need to make sure we keep improving.
"We’re so pleased for Graham. A British manager, brilliant to get the opportunity to do that, one he deserves and a guy we admire. There’s been messages after games when we’ve won and when we’re going through a tough moment, he’ll send a message.
"He’s been so supportive of us, him and Billy [Reid]. I hope he’ll be a huge success. We’ll enjoy watching him at Chelsea as we have done at Brighton."
Swansea have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the visit of the Blades, with Liam Walsh, Liam Cullen and Joel Latibeaudiere all unavailable. Kick-off is at 7:45pm on Tuesday.
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