Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Dimitar Berbatov still has a part to play at Old Trafford.
The Bulgarian has struggled to find regular first-team action this season due to the form of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez.
However, with his first choice pairing sidelined, Ferguson is expected to hand Berbatov a start in United's Champions League clash with Basle tonight.
"He's got a part to play," said Ferguson. "Dimitar's one of our squad members and they've all got a part to play.
"He's been training really well, his attitude has been spot on, brilliant, and he'll get his game time as the season goes on, there's no question about that."
Berbatov was the joint top scorer in the Premier League last season, but has failed to find the net in Europe since scoring twice against Celtic in 2008.