Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan says he is happy not to be selected for international duty for Scotland for the upcoming November internationals, since it gives him the opportunity for a rest.

The 29-year-old has not been called up by his country for the past two years, but having made 15 appearances in all competitions for the Owls so far this season, it seems as though the fortnight's hiatus from club football is a welcome one for Bannan.

Speaking to the Sheffield Star about his latest omission from the Scotland squad, the midfielder said: “To be honest I need a rest.

“I shouldn’t be saying this, but I am probably quite happy not to be in, as I have a lot of niggles at the moment."

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Wednesday are currently eighth in the Championship standings, three points adrift of the play-offs, and it seems as though that push for promotion is Bannan's only focus right now, as he added: “I have never ruled it out and if I get picked I get picked.

"If I don’t, I am happy playing for my club every week. As long as I am fit and playing for my club every week, that’s all that bothers me.”

That however, does not mean Bannan - who has 27 caps for Scotland - won't be supporting his national side over the next week, with the midfielder concluding: “If I’m not playing I watch them and I always want to follow them, it’s my country, but I am just concentrating on my job here, if I keep performing here, hopefully, I can get in."

After the international break, Wednesday will return to action with a trip to The Hawthorns to take on current Championship league leaders West Brom on the 23rd of November, before hosting Birmingham and travelling to Charlton later that week.

The Verdict

This certainly looks like something that could split opinion.

On the one hand, those of a Sheffield Wednesday persuasion will surely love these comments, given it shows Bannan's commitment to the club in what could be a crucial campaign for them.

Scotland however, are likely to be less impressed with a player making comments such as these about his recent omission from the national side, since it doesn't exactly show a huge desire to force his way back into the setup.

You have to wonder therefore, whether Bannan could be talking himself out of a call-up any time in the future, since he is only likely to become more keen for such a break the further into his career he goes.