Town Counting Cost Of National Pride

Supporters always feel a sense of pride when one of their own is selected to represent their country. It is an honour not only for the club and of course the player but also for the fans!

I can still recall the day when Ipswich had an astonishing five players selected to play for England when Ron Greenwood was running the show and I think all of them got some game time against Luxembourg in 1977 – even Norfolk born Trevor Whymark!

Yet there is of course a potential downside to getting called up for your country and that is the risk of injury – or in the case of Raheem Stirling, becoming burnt out. He played in the World Cup then had a short break before the new season began and has been playing almost two games a week ever since. It is great to tap into raw talent but stupid to exploit it to the hilt and in his case this sadly is what seems to have occurred.

With a big game coming up at home to Blackburn at the weekend, there is some worrying news on the injury front. Daryl Murphy is doubtful and will not play any part against Germany this evening because of an achilles injury sustained in the 7-0 thrashing of little Gibraltar.

Murphy was in the thick of the action when he came on after 63 minutes but could not break his international duck with a goal sadly.

Then we heard news that Jonathan Williams suffered an ankle injury after he was tossed around like a rag doll against Bosnia-Herzegovina that ended in a goal less draw. He is now very doubtful for Saturday we believe, which is hugely disappointing.

Tonight there is every chance that Christophe Berre may play some part for the Scots against Poland as they too have been hit by injuries and we can only hope that whatever happens, he comes through unscathed.

As Saturday approaches with ever increasing rapidity, the injuries to both Murphy and William are a major concern but if they pull through then we have every chance of another home win; as both players have played important parts in our unbeaten 7 game run.

I guess Jordan Rhodes may have other ideas though!


F.W.