“What a great opportunity for Karoy”: Ian Evatt reacts as Jamaica confirm Blackpool midfielder’s call-up
Blackpool boss shares his thoughts on this week’s international call-up and demotions.
Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt admits international call-ups can prove something of a mixed blessing after confirmation that Karoy Anderson will link up with Jamaica.
The second international break of the season runs from November 9-17 though, unlike last time, the Seasiders are due to be in League One action next weekend.
They are scheduled to visit AFC Wimbledon on November 14, with only Anderson away on international duty as Jamaica face a two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final with Mexico.
Anderson’s absence was officially revealed on Friday afternoon, when Jamaica named their squad for that double-header.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Dion Charles were called up by Northern Ireland earlier in the season, but have been dropped to the standby list for their UEFA Nations League games against Ukraine and Hungary.
Evatt said: “What a great opportunity for Karoy, to play at Mexico and have a two-leg play-off.
“The others will be disappointed but it means they’re here.
“We’re already two or three games behind some teams in our league, so it’s not a bad thing we’re going to be playing and having an opportunity to make sure we’ve got these lads available.
“It’s great for Karoy on one hand but bad for us on the other that we’re not going to have him.”
International call-ups meant Peacock-Farrell missed five matches last season for the Seasiders, though he hasn’t played for Northern Ireland since their defeat in Slovakia a year ago.
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However, with Pierce Charles and Conor Hazard ahead of the 30-year-old in the pecking order, any selection can be something of a lose-lose situation as Blackpool are without their first-choice keeper and Peacock-Farrell is on the sidelines instead of playing competitive football.
Evatt acknowledged: “Again, it’s just part of the game; having the opportunity to go away with your country and represent your country is a great opportunity for everybody.
“Players love that. I wish them well if they do go away and it’s down to them to earn the right to play in any team.
“Hopefully, when he does go away and he doesn’t play he trains well, does everything professionally and he’s in the manager’s eye for the next window.”
Jamaica’s first game with Mexico is at 1am UK time on November 15 with the return at 2.30am UK time on the 18th.