JASON DEMETRIOU pulled out of the Cyprus squad for their international friendly with Albania. The 21-year-old midfielder, was due to fly out on Sunday to link-up with the national team, but opted to remain at home. The manager didn t realise I would mis

JASON DEMETRIOU pulled out of the Cyprus squad for their international friendly with Albania.

The 21-year-old midfielder, was due to fly out on Sunday to link-up with the national team, but opted to remain at home.

"The manager didn't realise I would miss a cup game, and so he was happy for me to withdraw from the squad," explained Demetriou.

"It would have been a lot of travelling to meet up with the squad, travel to Albania for the game, go back to Cyprus and then come back home.

"I think the manager wants to give a few players a run out, so it would have been a long way to go for 45 minutes.

"But he said I should be in the squad for the Republic of Ireland World Cup game."

That qualifier takes place at the start of September and Demetriou added: "I'm looking forward to it, but I don't want to miss any Orient games and lose my place.