Always held by players (3)

I believe the answer is:

aye

'always' is the definition.
(archaic term for 'always')

'held by players' is the wordplay.
'held by' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'AYE' can be found hidden inside 'players'.

(Other definitions for aye that I've seen before include "Yes, at the double for the sailor" , "An affirmative vote" , "Yes; ever" , "Always" , "Indeed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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