LEE CLARK has thanked England Under 19 coach Noel Blake for excusing Benik Afobe from international duty so the striker can focus on Town’s big game against Notts County at the Galpharm a week on Sunday.
Blake decided against naming the on-loan Arsenal striker in his squad for the game in Holland on Tuesday week, March 29, believing he is benefiting from his run in the Town team.
Afobe is hoping for a fourth successive start at home to Swindon tomorrow and Clark explained: “I’ve spoken with Noel and he said he is pleased with the experience he is getting at the moment.
“He decided against picking him for the latest squad so that he can concentrate on our promotion push, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to co-operate in this way!
Afobe, who has four Under 19 caps, will come back into consideration for England’s European Championship campaign this summer.
Town have three players set for international duty, with Kevin Kilbane back in the Republic of Ireland squad for their big Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia in Dublin tomorrow week and the home friendly against Uruguay on March 29.
Jordan Rhodes is in the Scotland Under 21 party for their game in Belgium next Thursday and Alex Smithies with England Under 21s for games in Denmark next Thursday and against Iceland at Preston a week on Monday.
