Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has admitted that he was disappointed to be dropped for the Midlands derby against West Bromwich Albion, and is also frustrated by the way Paul Lambert handled the situation.
Bent came off the bench to score a vital equaliser for Villa to secure a 1-1 draw against the Baggies, who had taken the lead early in the second half through Shane Long.
The England international was left out in favour of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke for the match and told reporters that he will seek talks with Lambert this week.
He said: "I felt disappointed that I didn't start the game against West Brom.
"It's been a crappy couple of weeks for me, finding out I was no longer captain before the Swansea game. And again on Sunday to find out before the game that I wasn't playing.
"I can't remember the last time it happened. I only found out when the gaffer read the team-sheet out. It's frustrating and disappointing. I've not spoke to him at all about why he left me out, I've heard nothing. We'll probably speak in the week."
Bent has scored in his last two league games and is aiming for a re-call to the startling lineup when Villa visit his former club Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, October 7.