Paul Ince challenges John Thompson to win back his spot

Thompson joined Notts in 2008

Notts County manager Paul Ince says club skipper John Thompson still has a future at Meadow Lane but must fight hard to win his place back.

Thompson was sent off in Ince's first game in charge against Southampton and on-loan defender Stephen Darby has taken the Irishman's place.

Ince told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Darby has come in and been fantastic.

"If you are not in the side you have to come in every day, train the right way and John's doing that."

Ince added: "He's the captain of the side and has to set and example whether he's playing or not.

He has been a revelation since I've been here - the ultimate professional

Paul Ince on Lee Hughes

"It's not just John; they are loads of players that want to be involved but you can only put 18 in the squad.

"People have to be left out. You cannot put five defenders on the bench - that would be ridiculous."

And Ince has dismissed talk of veteran striker Lee Hughes, who scored the only goal in the midweek win over Swindon, leaving Meadow Lane.

Hughes, 34, was linked with a move to Championship side Crystal Palace before the loan window closed, but Ince is eager to keep the former West Brom striker.

"I still believe you can get another three years out of him," Ince said.

"He has been a revelation since I've been here - the ultimate professional. I can understand teams being interested in him but he's not going anywhere."