INTERNATIONAL BLUEBIRDS - OCTOBER 2015

After Saturday’s draw away to Brighton & Hove Albionin the Sky Bet Championship, another international break now beckons, as several City stars have the honour of representing their countries from the 9th to the 14th October.

QUALIFICATION PARTY

Iceland skipper Aron Gunnarsson can fly out for their fixtures against Latvia and Turkey in celebratory mood, as an away win over the Netherlands and draw against Kazakhstan in the previous international break saw them qualify for France 2016 with two games to spare.

Their success has been monumental, as Gunnars’ men have become the smallest nation to ever qualify for the finals of a European Championship, with a population of just 329,100.




GROUP D DRAMA
David Marshall retains his place in the Scotland squad to face Poland and Gibraltar. The Tartan Army’s hopes of qualification were dealt a blow with defeats to Germany and Georgia last time out.

However, they can still qualify for a play-off spot if they take at least four points from their next two matches, and certain other results fall in their favour.

Of course, one of the sides that they’re competing with are Republic of Ireland, for whom Anthony Pilkington could feature. The winger has been named in their preliminary squad as they face tough tests against Germany and Poland in one of the toughest groups in the tournament.

With a bit of luck, both Marshy and Pilks could travel to France next summer with their respective nations. For that to happen, Scotland would have to win both of their remaining games and count on Ireland to beat Poland.

FURTHER AFIELD…

Bruno Ecuele Manga will again represent 2017 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Gabon as they face another two friendlies, this time against Tunisia and DR Congo.

As hosts of the 2017 tournament, they are not required to take part in the qualification process, but would have been pleased with their draw with Zambia and victory over Rwanda last time out.

Meanwhile, Kenwyne Jones has been called up for Trinidad and Tobago’s two friendly fixtures away to Panama and at home to Nicaragua. The matches will provide final preparation for the Soca Warriors ahead of their 2018 World Cup Qualifiers against Guatemala and USA in November.

UNDER 21s



Finally, Declan John and Tommy O’Sullivan have been selected for Wales U21s match against Denmark U21 on 9th October. The young Welshmen will be looking to continue their good form after their win over Luxembourg on 4th September.

As always, best of luck to all the Bluebirds representing their countries during the break!