Ince irked by internationals

Rovers boss questions friendly participation

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 22nd August 2008

Paul Ince v Macclesfield

Ince: Not happy

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Paul Ince has questioned the motives behind Giovanni Trapattoni's team selection in midweek.

The Italian coach handed Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid a 90 minute run-out for the Republic of Ireland against Norway.

The winger has struggled with injuries for the last two years and was making his international return in Oslo.

However, his appearance on Wednesday has already caused consternation back at Ewood Park.

"You can see why sometimes Premier League managers don't let their players go if they are going to start playing them for 90 minutes," said Ince.

"It's always a worry. You wonder if you'll come back with a half a team. I'm disappointed with some of the managers because they played some of my players for 90 minutes, as in (Andre) Ooijer, (Roque) Santa Cruz and Reid."

Ridiculous

Ince had a total of 10 players away on international duty this week, and was disappointed to see a number of his stars risked unnecessarily in meaningless friendlies.

"I was very disappointed," added Ince. "I spoke to Reidy and he feels fine but that's not the point. He's had problems with his knees over the years.

"Morten (Gamst Pedersen) played 45 minutes (for Norway) and I haven't got a problem with that but when you start playing them 90 minutes in a friendly I think it is absolutely ridiculous.

"I can understand it if it's a World Cup qualifier but not a meaningless friendly. When it's a friendly I think you've got to show a bit of appreciation.

"The league has just started, they have had a hard pre-season and now I've got six players who have played three games in a week, which is unfair."

Struggle

Ince welcomes Phil Brown's Hull to Ewood Park on Saturday, but is concerned that his star men may not be able to perform to their best.

"You've seen it over the years, even with the biggest teams, that when players go away with their countries they struggle to perform on a Saturday and we've got to make sure that doesn't happen to us," he said.

"Sometimes you can be selfish because they are your players, but you have got to show some appreciation for them for the Saturday and I think 45 minutes for a friendly is appropriate."