Louis Saha prepares for yet another night of frustration this week when Manchester United continue their Champions League campaign.
And the French striker admits that the injury problems that have dogged him ever since his £11million move to Old Trafford have turned him into a jealous guy.
Saha has cut out the beads and braids that made him a fashion statement when he arrived from Fulham during January's transfer window. Now he's close to pulling out his hair altogether.
He saw his protracted, controversial transfer as the chance to take his career to new heights but there has been little fantasy for him so far at the Theatre of Dreams. Saha was certain to have taken part in Wednesday's visit to Lyons because Ruud van Nistelrooy is only just back from hernia surgery and Wayne Rooney is weeks away from being fully recovered from his fractured foot.
Alan Smith, as the only fit striker, has taken part in every United game and played for England eight days ago in Vienna and could have looked forward to a welcome break.
But Saha's chance to try to establish himself was lost in France on international duty four days ago when he suffered a recurrence of the knee injury which had allowed him only one Premiership start this season. Saha said: "It is very frustrating to have this happen again after last season. My United career just hasn't got started yet and, while I've scored a few goals, when I see Alan Smith scoring as he has done I am a little envious.
"What's more we now have Wayne Rooney, while Ruud is the main striker and we are all looking to get alongside him. When you are getting 30 goals a season like he does, that has to be the way. "Of course there is extra competition now with Wayne, which is great for the club. It is already hard enough to get in the team, although you have to believe that because we have so many games everyone will get their share."
Yet Saha's cruel luck so far is making getting that fair share a lot harder for him. He started only 10 games last season and by the time he is available again there is every possibility that Van Nistelrooy will be back
And all the while the debut that Sir Alex Ferguson just can't wait to give Rooney will be that much closer.
Source Sunday Mirror by Ken Lawrence