International quandary for Wigan Athletic chief

Tendayi Darikwa was last week called up by Zimbabwe for their African Nations Cup qualifier against Botswana and Zambia.

But along with the rest of his European-based colleagues, Darikwa has been excused from duty because of the Covid-19 travel restrictions.

On-loan Rotherham defender Curtis Tilt also received his maiden call-up for Jamaica for their friendly against the USA in Austria on Thursday.

And the 29-year-old - who was born in Walsall but is of Jamaican descent - has expressed a desire to meet up with the rest of the squad, with the travel restrictions in Europe being more relaxed.

Although a huge honour for the player, it’s less than ideal preparation for his manager ahead of Saturday’s crunch clash against Ipswich – Paul Cook and all – at the DW.

“Tendayi was due to go to a registered country, so he’s taken the option of not going,” said Richardson.

“Curtis, I think it’s his first call up, and it’s a bit different. With all due respect we’re not his parent club, and I think it’s a tremendous achievement at his age to get called up.

“He’s taken the option to go, and it’s a situation we’ll be monitoring all week as to whether he makes the Ipswich game or not.”

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