KEVIN Davies has told Wanderers stars not to sulk when they are not picked.

A number of senior Whites players have found themselves surprisingly relegated to the bench or out of the squad altogether since new boss Dougie Freedman arrived.

Davies has been one such player, along with Jay Spearing and Keith Andrews, with Martin Petrov’s total omission from the 18 on duty against Barnsley on Saturday the latest example.

With Freedman looking to shape a side capable of turning the club around following last season’s relegation, the captain says the last thing they need are players letting their heads go down if they are not picked.

“Everyone wants to play,” said Davies.

“We have got a quality squad – Martin wasn't even in the squad – and people will be disappointed if they are not playing.

“But no one can afford to come in sulking. You dust yourself down and work hard because you could be in the following week.

“Players like Jay and Keith have been disappointed not to be playing, but you need to keep working and showing the right enthusiasm on the training ground.

“You wish everyone well. David (Ngog) deserved his chance when he came on against Cardiff, so I half expected not to play (against Blackpool). He took his chance and that’s the way it was.

“Everyone should know the way we are trying to play now. If you come off the bench you are expected to know your job.

“There is huge emphasis on that. It is a team game not an individual sport.

“We are looking to come in this week and review the four games we’ve had so far. We have been asked to play a certain way and everyone has taken it on board. We have had enough time now.

“We’ve got to keep working hard on the training ground to make sure everyone knows their own role and jobs. If you do that then it helps the team.”

Davies acknowledges there is plenty of frustration around the Reebok at the moment, but says it should be because of the failure to gain all three points at home to Barnsley on Saturday – their third successive draw – rather than players not being picked.

“Players are asked to do a job and the manager stresses that whoever is asked to play in that position, you are expected to know your role,” said the skipper.

“Everyone is asked to pay attention. You are expected to do a professional job.

“Frustrated is probably a word that is appropriate at the minute. We are disappointed to concede again, like last week, but we have got to pick ourselves up.

“The games come thick and fast and we've got two more away games next.

“We kept Barnsley pretty quiet. They had a bit of possession but Adam hasn't had to work too hard again.

“I feel like I have had this conversation before!

“There are no easy games. Our fans showed signs of frustration because we should be going out to beat Barnsley at home.

“We are working hard and trying to take on board what the new manager wants.

“Everyone wants to play their part in the team and I would expect nothing less from anyone. The manager has shown he is willing to change things and pick a team he feels appropriate to win that game.”

On making his 600th league appearance recently, he added: “It's a milestone but you have just got to keep going. I am feeling good and happy to get back in the side after last week.”