As I predicted, the only Town player to get a full 90 minutes of international football was central defender Christophe Berra, as Scotland went down by three goals to nil at Wembley.
Why on earth the toothless Scots decided to play in pink is completely beyond me and apart from a half chance for Snodgrass when they were just one goal behind, it was an uninspiring team performance, in a game that should have mattered so much to them.
Tom Lawrence got around 20 minutes for Wales and I thought he played quite well but after Bale had hit the post – which would have put the game out of reach of the Serbs, they went down the other end and scored and this 1-1 home draw in Cardiff is a very poor result for Chris Coleman and his men.
Jonny Williams did not leave the bench, which is a pity because I think he might have added something, as the Welsh pressed for a second decisive goal and it was a bit of a surprise that Tom Lawrence was selected to enter the fray instead.
The Republic of Ireland benefited immensely from this result however because earlier that evening they defeated Austria in Vienna 0-1 and David McGoldrick came on for the last 12 minutes.
One of our fringe players was also involved in some international action at the weekend too. Town youngster Monty Patterson came on as a 61st minute substitute as New Zealand beat New Caledonia 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Auckland overnight.
The 19 year old midfielder/striker was winning his 8th cap for his country and he told everyone via instagram of his joy.
‘Good result tonight, a blessing to be able to play in front of a home crowd with love ones?’
And fellow New Zealander Tommy Smith was equally delighted with the result and performance and tweeted,’Good win for the All Whites against New Caledonia, lovely news to wake up to so well done!’
All things considered then, there were mixed fortunes for our players on World Cup duty. David McGoldrick will be pleased of course as his Irish side top the group on 10 points, after Wales and Serbia could only draw.
The less said about Scotland the better I guess but we may have more Town players in World Cup action if New Zealand can continue their fine form and they are involved in another World Cup qualifier in Koné this Tuesday so good luck to them!
There are new injury worries to report so Mick McCarthy will be a very relieved man I would have thought.
Frank Weston – Editor of Vital Ipswich
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