Dario Gradi has admitted that his reserve goalkeeper Clayton Ince would have tasted first-team action against Blackpool in the Carling Cup, if he hasn't agreed to play for Trinidad and Tobago this week.
Dario told the club's official site: "I would have probably played Clayton against Blackpool but he told me he was going away to play International football and with the break we have coming up, I thought I might as well keep Ben in there.
"Clayton should play in those two matches, so he will get his match practice now.
"People are saying that Ben has the number one shirt sown up, but I don't think that is the case because Clayton is always challenging strongly. Where that wasn't always the case with Big George in his final year, Clayton has been training hard and waited patiently for a chance.
He added: "While Ben has not been assured as he was last season so far this season. He has still done very well for us in some tough games. I want him to play well so he holds on to his shirt and doesn't make mistakes. The competition and challenge we need is coming from Clayton Ince."