Ince unhappy over international calendar

Blackburn manager Paul Ince is dismayed at the way international football breaks into the domestic calendar so early in the season.

Ince’s side face Grimsby in the Carling Cup tonight and West Ham on Saturday before the bulk of his players head off for World Cup qualifiers.

It means a blank weekend in the Premier League on September 6 and 7, and Ince believes there needs to be a rethink, especially as there were a round of international games only last week.

He said: “The timing is all wrong. You have the first game of the season then you go away on international duty.

“That is followed by another game this Saturday and you go away again for another match. That is something that should be looked at.

“There are not just demands on my players but those at other clubs as well. However, for the moment we just have to get on with it.”

Ince is set to ring the changes for the second-round match against the Coca-Cola League Two side.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 winger Keith Treacy could start after coming off the bench in the victory at Everton on the opening day.

He said: “It says a lot about the manager that he brings on an attacking player like myself with the score at 2-2 away from home.

“That was a great incentive for me, although it was a bit daunting coming on at Goodison with the fans being so close to the pitch.

“It was great to be part of that victory and good experience. I will keep chipping away in the hope of getting a start.”

Ince is expected to give a debut to summer signing Carlos Villanueva. No sooner had the 22-year-old Chile forward secured a season-long loan deal from Audax Italiano than he went down with chicken pox.

“I will have a look at Carlos as he has been dying to get involved. He is getting there but needs minutes on the pitch,” said the Blackburn boss.

“He is looking sharp in training and a game will stand him in good stead. When he first came he had chickenpox and it has taken time for him to get back into the swing of things.”

Midfielder David Dunn will sit out the match as he is having regular treatment on his Achilles injury in a bid to get him fit for the match against West Ham on Saturday.