Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni appears unlikely to use James McClean in Thursday's vital Euro 2012 match against Spain despite Sunday's opening defeat by Croatia.
Calls for McClean's talents to be used have intensified since Sunday's defeat but Trapattoni appears to have ruled out including the Sunderland star.
"His [McClean's} time will come in the future," said the Republic boss.
Trapattoni has hinted that Jonathan Walters may start in Thursday's game.
Walters replaced Kevin Doyle in the second half of Sunday's match in Poznan and the Republic boss praised the Stoke striker's ability at his press briefing on Monday evening.
“After waiting 10 years to reach the finals of a major tournament, to begin Euro 2012 with a result like this will be tough for the Republic of Ireland to take. Conceding three bad goals after being so sound defensively recently - and being unbeaten for 14 games - is even tougher”
"Jonathan has shown us with his physical strength the way he can help both the strikers and the midfield," added Trapattoni.
The Republic boss defended his decision to bring on West Brom striker Simon Cox and not McClean in place of Aiden McGeady in the early stages of the second half against Croatia.
"I was waiting for this question," he said. "Remember when you asked me why five strikers?
"I said Cox is also a winger and he can also play in a three as an attacking striker.
"Cox is one of the strikers but also at his club, can play right or left. He is also a striker in fact and in the past, has scored goals."
When further questioned about McClean remaining on the bench on Sunday, Trapattoni responded: "You are friends with James, no?
"I have a duty. It would have been his first [competitive] game.
Republic of Ireland 1-3 Croatia
"When there are senior, experienced players in this situation, maybe there is tension.
"You can understand how much more tense a young player can be. It's important we give them a quiet opportunity, not when we need their performance under pressure."
After watching a recording of Sunday's game, Trapattoni claimed that his side played "well enough" in Poznan.
"Obviously in terms of the performance, Croatia were superior to us. But our performance was more than positive," he commented.
Few pundits are giving the Republic any chance of avoiding the defeat against Spain that would end their hopes of emerging from Group C but Trapattoni refused to be downbeat.
"I can also remind you of the Champions League final - Bayern against Chelsea," said the Italian.
"Bayern played 70 minutes and had 17 corners and one corner for Chelsea, and Chelsea won. Football is so."
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