Wes Brown has accepted it is only a matter of time before he is ousted from Manchester United's right-back role.
Brown has been an ever-present for the Reds so far this season and is expected to retain his place in Sir Alex Ferguson's side for the trip to Everton.
The Longsight-born defender has been a steady presence in a United back four which has only conceded two goals in five games so far this term, doing enough to secure a place in Steve McClaren's England squad for the Euro 2008 double-header with Israel and Russia.
Although Brown did not add to his 13 caps as England recorded impressive back-to-back three-goal wins, he remains one of the most experienced and versatile defenders in the Barclays Premier League.
Yet the 27-year-old knows with skipper Gary Neville approaching full fitness after a long-running battle against injury, he may have to start getting used to life on the substitutes' bench.
"It has been great to play," he said. "It is always good to get a run in the side so early in the season.
"But Gary is getting close to his comeback now so when he does return I will make sure I am ready when needed.
"Gary is captain of the club, so when he is fit he will definitely be back in the side.
"I have to work hard, keep in shape and when I get called in I will try to prove what I can do and play my part for the team."