Friday 17 June 2016 23:52, UK
Kyle Lafferty accepts he may have to settle for a place on the bench when Northern Ireland face Germany in their final Group C fixture next Tuesday.
The 28-year-old striker was surprisingly left out of Michael O'Neill's starting XI for their stunning 2-0 victory over Ukraine in Lyon on Thursday - despite scoring seven goals during qualification.
Lafferty was one of five players who were dropped to the bench following their defeat by Poland in their opening Euro 2016 match last weekend.
And the Norwich City striker admits he would not blame his manager for sticking with the same line-up to take on the reigning World Cup winners.
He said: "I don't think any of the lads who started deserve to be dropped. I think they deserve another chance after the performance they put in.
"It's not about me, it's never been about me. I knew from the start of the campaign that my position wasn't guaranteed and it's proved it.
"There are 23 players in the squad and none of us think we are guaranteed a place. I might have scored goals and played a massive part in getting us here but that means nothing now.
"We are at the Euros and if the manager thinks someone should start ahead of me, then I will have nothing to say.
"I respect the manager's decision but of course I'm disappointed not to play in our biggest game in 30 years. I still have to work my socks off in training to have a chance of playing.
"Michael made massive changes, five players from the first game is a massive shout, but it has paid off.
"As a fan I am absolutely delighted for every player. Conor and I have a great relationship so I'm absolutely delighted for him to start.
"With the performance he put in, I think he deserves another chance against Germany."
