Club v Country Dilemma For Scotland

The Swansea City striker has been named in the Soca Warrior squad to face Cuba in a World Cup qualifier on November 19 – just 48 hours before the Swans entertain high flying Birmingham City at the Liberty Stadium.

And he accepts that it means the best he can probably hope for is a seat on the bench for that Friday night game – assuming that the travelling means he is fit enough for that.

Speaking to the Evening Post, the man who grabbed a crucial goal against Watford yesterday said “It’s going to be quite a difficult one

“The game is on the Wednesday and then we play Birmingham on the Friday night, so I’m not sure whether the gaffer will have a word with my coach.

“I don’t know if the gaffer will fancy me going back, but it’s an important game — we need a point to reach the next qualifying phase — and I have to do my international duties.

“I want to play for my country but I want to play against Birmingham too. They are one of the top sides in the division and you want to prove yourself against the top sides, but if I’m realistic I think I will probably be on the bench.

“I don’t want to be, but I have to accept that I will be tired and the body might not be ready.

“There are other players in this squad who can do a job for the team and maybe I will be on the bench, coming on for maybe 15 or 20 minutes.”

Scotland though was understandably delighted to be back on track goalwise with his first strike for a month and added “It was great to get the result and it was nice for me to get on the scoresheet

“I’m a little disappointed I haven’t got a few more this season. I’m not getting as many chances as I did last year, but hopefully I can get a few more in time.

“It’s hard as the lone striker because you are quite often taking two defenders on and the ball will break to them. If you have two strikers the ball can break to one of your team-mates, as happened for Bussy’s goal.

“It’s a bit frustrating for me at times, but the football people who come to watch our games will see how difficult my role is.

“The crowd seem to get on my back quite easily so there’s pressure all around, but it’s a job I’m willing to do because I want to play.”

“I don’t know how he hits it, but Ferrie hits the ball with power and it moves so much that it’s difficult for keepers.

“And he is a great passer. He wasn’t really looking at me, but I know he’s someone who can find you anywhere.”