History-making international break

It's been a history-making international break at Ipswich Town, during which 10 members of Gary O'Neil's first-team squad have been away representing their countries across six continents.

Club headlines in recent weeks have included an appearance for midfielder Exequiel Palacios in Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina, while Abdul Fatawu, Daizen Maeda and Sasa Lukic became Town's first internationals representing Ghana, Japan and Serbia respectively.

One of my highlights during this period, from a purely selfish Town perspective, was the news that Marcelino Nunez was heading back to Suffolk early after being released from Chile's squad for what their federation described as "personal reasons".

Reports subsequently suggested there had been some unhappiness after Nunez was an unused substitute against the United States.

Without wishing to offend Nunez, Chile v USA inevitably means rather less to me than Town v Fulham. The same goes for the Nations League, Africa Cup of Nations qualifying or the Kirin Cup. From an Ipswich perspective, the priority is simply getting everyone back to Suffolk fit and firing.

Based on his comments prior to the Blues' last Premier League outing at Everton, I'm certain this is something Town boss Gary O'Neil and I agree on entirely.

"I don't like international breaks," he told us at his pre-match press conference. "You're always looking at the line-ups and seeing who's playing and if they've come off at any point."

Perhaps O'Neil will also have been relieved at the Nunez situation and will have been quick to offer an arm around the shoulder of the player, letting him know that he is appreciated and needed at Portman Road.

All of Town's capped players will certainly be needed for another huge block of five Premier League fixtures, beginning with Saturday's visit of a Fulham side yet to register a first three-point maximum this season.

Almost the entirety of the Ipswich squad are due back on Wednesday, and international recognition is another welcome sign of Town's progress.

For O'Neil, though, the best news of the break may simply be seeing 10 fit players walk back through the doors at Playford Road.

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