IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell today admits that the international break has disrupted his side’s momentum – but insists confidence in the camp is still sky high.

The Playford Road training ground was buzzing at the start of last week after a 3-1 home win over Brighton made it 10 points from a possible 12.

Five Town players – including key first teamers David Stockdale and Keith Andrews – have been away representing their countries over the last week though, while others such as Danny Collins and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas have been away resting injuries around the blank Championship weekend.

“We would rather not have had a break to be honest because it has disrupted our momentum,” rued Jewell, whose side travel to Cardiff on Saturday.

“We could have played the day after the Brighton game to be honest, instead we’ve had to wait two weeks. That’s the way it is though and there’s no point moaning about it.”

Stockdale returned to the club on Monday having been away with England in Montenegro last Friday. He did not make the bench as the Three Lions sealed their European Championship qualification.

Andrews played for the Republic of Ireland last night as they beat Armenia 2-1 at home to confirm a play-off place, with Town team mate Damien Delaney not making the 18.

Meanwhile, winger Josh Carson smashed home a free-kick from the edge of the area for the Northern Ireland U19 side as they went down 2-1 at home to Montenegro, while striker Tamas Priskin played for Hungary in a 0-0 home draw with Finland.

“Everyone at the club is looking forward to games at the moment and that was perhaps not the case earlier in the season,” said Jewell.

“The last four games have obviously filled us with a lot of confidence and we can’t wait to get going again at Cardiff.”

Loanee Stoke centre-back Collins had to withdraw from the Wales squad last week after feeling a dormant groin injury tighten up following a run of five games in three weeks. He missed the whole of last week’s training as a result but should be ready in time for the weekend.

Central defensive partner Ibrahima Sonko is training well having, in the words of Jewell, been ‘wheeled out’ for recent games.

Right-back Carlos Edwards will find out his fate tomorrow after pleading guilty to driving offences in court. The Trinidadian could potentially be jailed.

His back-up is new Manchester City loanee Reece Wabara, although the teenager has had to manage a slight hamstring strain suffered in last week’s reserve team outing against Watford.

Meanwhile, Jewell has confirmed that young defender Jack Ainsley – arguably the third in line at right-back – is available for loan alongside the likes of Shane O’Connor, Ronan Murray and Luke Hyam.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is a major doubt to face Cardiff – a club he spent a season on loan – as he continues to undergo physio on an ankle problem suffered against Leeds.

Striker Daryl Murphy (thigh) and winger Lee Martin (eye) are in contention having recovered from injuries.