Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has challenged disgruntled striker Clinton Morrison to prove his worth if he wants more first-team football.
Republic of Ireland international Morrison, 25, has recently suggested he may have to move on.
But Bruce told the News of the World: "With strikers you have to acquire as many as you can.
"Obviously, Clinton cannot be too happy but he has to take his chance when it comes along."
Morrison, who has one year left on his contract with the Blues, saw his opportunities limited last season following the transfer-window loan signing of Walter Pandiani from Deportivo La Coruna.
He told the Daily Mirror: "I just want to have a chance to show what I can do.
"I want to stay but it is important for me to be playing. I am not one of these guys who just sits there and collects his wage packet and is happy with it."
He added: "I will have a meeting with my agent and the boss Steve Bruce soon and I will say that I just want to play as much as possible.
"The manager has spoken to me and he says he wants me to sign a new contract and that I am part of his plans.
"But I will have to see what happens. Maybe I will have to move on but I hope not.
"But the only way I will sign is if I am going to be playing football."