Club v Country for Carling Cup ties

Last updated : 02 August 2009 By Michael Morris
It means that Championship clubs will be without several of their players as the international squads (senior and U21's) take precident over the clubs.

Now Cardiff I'm sure would not have planned to play a full strength XI v Dagenham and Redbridge so players like Joe Ledley, Ross McCormack and David Marshall would probably have been on the bench at best v D & R but with the possibility that Peter Enckelman will also be called up for international duty as well then City are scrapping the barrel for goalkeepers.

"I simply don't know what the manager will do if both David Marshall and Peter Enckelman are wanted for international duty," said Peter Ridsdale, who was one of only three Chairmen who voted against the decision to play the internationals and cup games at the same time.

"We suggested alternative dates for the Carling Cup. It would have been possible to play next midweek, but the vote went against us.

"We could not do anything about it."

City can't use youngster Josh Magennis, he's now a striker converted from a keeper but he's been selected to play for Northern Ireland U21's.

City could have potentially 11 players missing from their squad for the Carling Cup tie against Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday August 11th.

The next keeper in line is young Polish player Erwin Sak and then a couple of youngsters from the youth set up. There has been a suggestion Martyn Margetson might need to register himself a bit sharpish in case he's needed.

"All Championship clubs are in the same difficult situation - and there could be a fair number going out of the competition as a result," Dave Jones told the Echo.

"We are likely to be left without a senior goalkeeper - and a high number of outfield players.

"It's been agreed by club chairmen as a one-off and there is nothing we can do to change it."