THE Republic of Ireland's plans to stage their outstanding European Championships qualifying match against Yugoslavia on Wednesday, September 1, are threatening possible fixture chaos for Blackburn Rovers - before the season has started!.

With early-season matches at Swindon (Sept 4) and Charlton (Oct 9) already looking set to be re-arranged because of the regular international programmes, Rovers could now lose two more matches.

If the Yugoslavia game goes ahead on September 1 following the end of the Balkans conflict, Rovers could have four players in contention for a place in the side - Jeff Kenna, Lee Carsley, Damien Duff and Jason McAteer.

And, if the Irish insist on the full five-day call-up, which would be a distinct possibility given the importance of the game, Rovers' scheduled fixtures against Norwich (away) and Bolton (home) on the previous Saturday and Monday would be threatened.

Ewood chief executive John Williams is aware of the danger but said there was nothing the club could do about it at this stage.

"It is a concern and brings the club v country subject into play again," he said.

"But rules are rules and we will have to wait and see if and when our players are selected what the situation is.

"You can't pick a manager's squad for him and, in the past, some international managers have not insisted on the full five days.

"But if the worst happened you could see us with a lot of games in hand early in the season and once the Worthington Cup comes into the equation there are very few midweek dates available."

If clubs have three players called up to international squads, they are allowed to apply to the Football League for a postponement.

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