With the Championship programme now halted for the final international break of the season, four Wednesday players have joined up with their countries in preparation for forthcoming matches.

Loanee keeper James Beadle is in the England under-21 squad for friendlies against France and Portugal, the Young Lions facing their French counterparts at the Stade du Moustoir, Lorient on March 21 with an 8pm kick off and then returning home to take on Portugal’s youngsters at The Hawthorns on March 24, ko 7.45pm.

Brothers Pierce and Shea Charles have again been called up for Northern Ireland duty. They also have two friendlies to play, a home game with Switzerland at Windsor Park on March 21, ko 7.45pm, and then an away match against Sweden in Stockholm on March 25, ko 6pm.

Meanwhile, young defender Gabriel Otegbayo is in the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad for friendlies against Scotland on March 21 and Hungary on March 24, both games being played at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain, and kicking off at 7pm.