It’s the International break and the Clarets are currently having a well-earned rest after their lacklustre 3-1 defeat at Reading last Saturday. With no match tomorrow,they do not have a competitive game until Championship League Leaders, Birmingham come to Turf Moor a week tomorrow.
Having said that, it will not be a break for all our players with some on International duty and here is a summary.
First the bad news, Michael Duff had been selected by the Northern Ireland gaffer, Nigel Worthington.
Duff however has had to withdraw from the Northern Ireland squad after picking up a side strain in the last match against Reading at the Madejski stadium. He picked up the injury trying to defend a Reading attack in a failed attempt to stop Stephen Hunt scoring their second goal. He couldn’t stop Hunt’s header and injured himself in the process being replaced by Chris Eagles.
At the moment it is feared, Duff could even miss the Birmingham match as well, so with Jordan suspended, Coyle may have limited options in the back four although Kalvenes could return and Alexander can always revert to his more familar role at right back rather than the holding midfield role of late.
One player who will however be keen to impress for Northern Ireland, will be Martin Paterson
The 21 year old striker has been in great form for the Clarets with 7 goals in 13 games. His performances could have put him strongly in contention for a starting eleven place in Northern Ireland’s 2010 World Cup qualifying games away to Slovenia this Saturday at Maribor and then home to San Marino on Wednesday 15th October.
Owen Coyle had this to say about Paterson’s International ambitions:
‘Prior to this season Martin had been in the Northern Ireland squad but was never really classed as a first pick.
‘But I think he has shown of late in the qualifiers that he is in there pitching to start games. That augurs well for him and this club.
‘What we hope when our players go away on international breaks is that they do their countries proud, but equally come back injury-free.’
Graham Alexander celebrated his 37th birthday this week as he prepared for Scotland’s 2010 World Cup qualifier against Norway at Hampden Park tomorrow
The ageless defender who can play either right or left back and as we now know also as an holding midfielder still appears to be in Scotland boss George Burley`s plans after appearing to be sidelined at one point.
A mention should also go out to young Alex MacDonald.The Clarets striker has again been called up to the Scotland Under 19 squad.
The 18-year-old got his first cap last month against Holland and he has now been selected by Billy Stark in an 18-man squad for the European Championship Qualifying Round tournament in Hungary, between 16th-26th October.
The Scotland Under 19 side will play three games, against Azerbaijan on October 20th, San Marino on October 22nd and hosts Hungary on October 25th.
Owen Coyle had this to say about his young striker:
‘We are delighted for Alex. He may miss some games, but he goes with our blessing because it is not every day you are called up for your country.
‘Alex was unfortunate to pick up an injury early in his Under 19 debut against Holland last month, and it is great news that he has again earned selection.
‘It gives him another opportunity of experiencing football at international level, which can only be good for Alex and Burnley Football Club.’
MacDonald has not been selected for the Clarets sixteen yet this season and that of course will now certainly continue for our games against Birmingham City, Coventry City and Charlton Athletic.
Perhaps one surprise omission from International duty is Joey Gudjonsson.
Gudjonsson is probably having his best spell at Burnley FC and recently he was shortlisted for the Powerade Championship Player of the Month Award for September but lost out to Reading’s Kevin Doyle. His spectacular goal from 35 yards out agsinst Preston recently was a sceamer to add to his long distance pedigree.
The national team coach of Iceland, Ólafur Jóhannesson though seems to have neglected Gudjonsson in recent teams and again he wont be in the squad against the Netherlands away in Rotterdam this Saturday and Macedonia at home in Reykjavík on Wednesday.
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