Striker Darren Bent has pulled out of the England U21 squad after picking up an injury in the weekend win at Sheffield United. Bent, 21 yesterday, has a dead leg and a bruised shin.

Town's top scorer is not expected to miss next week's home match with Leicester City and the Blues are hopeful that strike partner Shefki Kuqi will also be OK, although he'll probably play with a plaster across his broken nose.

Despite the withdrawals, the Blues still have a number of players away on international duty. Lewis Price is away with the Welsh U21 squad which faces Germany at Wrexham on Tuesday (Sky Sports Two, 6.30pm).

Striker Dean Bowditch is with the England U19s who play Belgium at Zulte-Waregem on Wednesday.

Academy frontman Billy Clarke is in the Irish U19 squad at an international tournament in La Manga, Spain, organised by the Norwegian FA.

Ireland take on Norway on Tuesday, the Czech Republic on Thursday and Denmark on Friday.

The calls will weaken the Town reserve side taking on Arsenal at Portman Road this evening (7pm).

Canadian winger Jaime Peters is also in action on Wednesday when Frank Yallop's side take on Northern Ireland in Belfast.

Academy and regular reserve midfielder Owen Garvan is in the Irish U17 squad for two friendlies against Slovenia next week.

Ireland face the Slovenians on Tuesday, February 15th and again two days later.

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