Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has thrown down a challenge at Emile Smith Rowe.
Smith Rowe has been a late substitute in two of Arsenal's three wins this season.
Ahead of the visit of Fulham on Saturday, Arteta said: "He needs to now earn the right to play in the team. In order to do that, he needs to perform and be consistent.'
There have been so far no talks between Smith Rowe and Arteta over his first-team opportunities.
"No because he's been injured. He's not had a clean pre-season, he's not there yet."
Arsenal's return to Europe should open up more opportunities for rotation but Arteta insisted: "Every day for me is the key. What he shows every day and that consistency and that hunger and increase the level."