Veteran midfielder Danny Sonner has waded into Chris Birchall's club-versus-country row, insisting the Port Vale starlet requires a proper break before the season kicks off.
Birchall, 21, had intended missing Trinidad and Tobago's Gold Cup games to be part of Vale's build-up to the new season, which kicks off on 6 August.
But Trinidad & Tobago coach Leo Beenhakker is adamant the winger will play in the United States-based Gold Cup tournament, which runs from 6-24 July.
Vale manager Martin Foyle says he will leave the final decision to Birchall, but has made clear he wants the player to rest.
Sonner said: "Chris did very well recently when he made his T & T debut, and understandably will now not want to miss a game.
"However, he is still a young lad and it's very important that he gets a proper break before the start of the season. I can understand both sides of the argument, but from Port Vale's point of view, we need him fit and ready for the start of the season."