BLACKBURN Rovers manager Paul Ince admits the growing number of international commitments are becoming a big concern.

With Irish international Steven Reid now ruled out for the season with a knee injury, the Rovers boss has questioned the protection today’s Premier League players are getting.

He said: “Everyone wants to play for their country and Reidy has been doing exceptionally well for Ireland but you’ve just got to be careful because he’s not really played in games in such a close time.

“He’s come back, had problems with his knees and now he’s out for the rest of the season.

“There is an issue there and it’s the same today. Benni McCarthy and Aaron Mokoena flew in from South Africa last night.

"But the good thing about it now, even though there’s an international in November, there aren’t any more international breaks until March.

“So that will be a chance to get a settled side and get some games in the Premiership because we’re nearly at Christmas and we’ve only played eight games which is ridiculous!

“Reidy is out for the rest of the season and when players go away on international duty you’ve got to accept the consequences whether they’re good or bad when they come back.”