Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has expressed his annoyance at the timing of this week's international friendlies.
Charlie Adam, Jonathan Walters and Kenwyne Jones are just three names from the Potters squad who were representing their countries over the past few days.
"It's frustrating because we have had a busy Christmas and New Year period, we've had a few midweek games and the transfer window, and when all of that is finally cleared up, players have to go off flying all around the world," Pulis told reporters.
"It's not ideal, but we have to just get on with it."
Stoke host Reading at the Britannia Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.
