Everton defender Sylvain Distin can carry on playing for as long as he wants, according to manager Roberto Martinez.
The 36-year-old centre-back has made almost 200 appearances for the club since arriving from Portsmouth in 2009, but has been used only once in six matches since an error led to a goal in September's 3-0 Capital One Cup defeat at Swansea.
Distin was impressive as the Toffees secured a 0-0 Europa League Group H draw in Lille on Thursday but was left out of the squad for Sunday's 3-1 Premier League victory at Burnley, with Antolin Alcaraz partnering Phil Jagielka in central defence.
Martinez has played down any suggestion of a fallout with the Frenchman, insisting that he was still a vital part of the squad and had been left out recently in order to give him a rest.
Distin, who has a contract until the end of the season, with be 37 in December, but his manager believes he has the fitness to carry on playing at the top level.
"Age is just a number for him," he said. "The way he works, he accumulates games. I don't think age will stop Sylvain.
"I think it will be more his own incentive to want to carry on playing for whatever reason.
"He's very, very lucky genetically with his physique that he has. I think he can play for a long time."