Ipswich v Bristol Rovers: Paul Jewell has admitted he wasn’t aware Damien Delaney had been called up for the Republic of Ireland squad until AFTER the defender had left the country.

Faced with having just two senior centre backs for tonight’s Capital One Cup tie at home to Bristol Rovers, the Town boss considered stopping Delaney from teaming up with Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad.

He revealed: “We could have said no to Damo because he wasn’t on the original stand-by list.

“I didn’t find out until yesterday morning. By that time he was already in Ireland so there is no point calling the player back.”

The fact that Jewell seems a little in the dark about Delaney’s international situation will only add to speculation that the 31-year-old would be allowed to Portman Road – but only if Jewell found a replacement first.

Delaney, who narrowly missed out on the Euro 2012 squad, will act as back-up for the Republic of Ireland in their friendly in Serbia tomorrow night.

Team mates Josh Carson and Ronan Murray are also on international duty meaning the trio will miss tonight’s cup clash and also not arrive back in Suffolk until 48 hours before the Championship opener at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Jewell said: “With Josh Carson, Michael O’Neill (the Northern Ireland manager) rang me and said he wanted the player in the full squad (having originally been picked for the Under-21s).

“Josh came to see me he wants to play for the full squad but didn’t want to harm his place here. We have no comebacks on that.”

When asked about the timing of the international matches, Jewell added: “I think the international friendlies at this time are ridiculous.

“If the federations paid the wages and paid for any injuries, I think we would see a lot less friendlies.

“Everyone involved – from supporters, to players, to coaches – wants to get excited about the start of the season.

“Now we start with a League Cup game and will be without three players until Thursday.

“It’s a bit of a nonsense in my view.”