ARGYLE manager Paul Sturrock has challenged Emile Mpenza to force his way into the team.

The move comes after the transfer window closed yesterday and the Belgian's future at Home Park was seemingly secured until the end of the season.

Mpenza did not travel with the squad for tonight's game at Preston but if the injury-plagued striker can rediscover the sparkling form shown against Cardiff in November, he would be very difficult to leave out.

"Emile is not travelling and we have obviously got another conversation to have when I get back," said Luggy.

"I think there were a couple of things bubbling in the pipeline but they have not come to fruition.

"I wanted it settled in mind and settled in his mind - that was the important thing, either way.

"We went down the road of both things. Now, he has to get himself fit and competitive for a place in the team.

"He appreciates the situation and if I can get him in the Cardiff mode, he would be very difficult to dispossess from his position.

"The problem is he then got himself injured and was out for six weeks, and we just can't get him back to that standard - we are going to have to now.

"He has got to appreciate that he is here until the end of the season and he has got to be a competitive for selection, but he's not going to be handed it.

"He has to go out and work, and make my mind up."