That is the thing. He is in a position where he can easily be replaced if others push up. But to date he has not really grasped his opportunities and held onto them. Playing back his role is clearer, and he has demonstrated that he can perform there. He doesn't have to be a match winner, but he can also be more than a role player there.
He can make himself a first choice selection by position kind of player, rather than a bench rotation. In reality he is pushing Sutcliffe out, and he should be able to do that with his better skill set.
I still have some hope that Sutcliffe has his 2013 form in him