However, Stan Lazaridis (Australia), Paul Devlin (Scotland), Clinton Morrison (Republic of Ireland), Robbie Savage (Wales), Damien Johnson (Northern Ireland), Mattie Upson (England), Ferdinand Coly (Senegal) and Piotr Swierczewski (Poland) all reported back to Wast Hills none the worse for wear after their international exploits.
Defender Kenny Cunningham, the Ireland skipper, was withdrawn from their squad earlier this week with a hamstrng strain, but is expected to recover in time for Blues' next league fixture - the televised clash at home to Liverpool on Sunday, 23rd February.