The omission of Blues defender or midfielder Jonny Parr from the Norwegian squad facing Croatia in a European Championships qualifier on Saturday 28th March in Zagreb has caused some surprise back in Norway.
Former Liverpool and Fulham full-back John Arne Riise tweeted: "Jonathan Parr cannot do more than he has done. Not included. Should by no doubt have been in the squad.”
Kasper Wikestad, a commentator on Norwegian channel TV 2, also wrote on Twitter: "No Jonathan Parr? Very weird! As recently as in the top [of the table] match against Brentford Parr was rewarded with eight in all English media, and named Ipswich’s best player.”
Norwegian website Fotballblogg1.com was similarly surprised: "The lack of Parr is the biggest disappointment in [Norwegian national boss Per-Mathias] Høgmo’s national squad.”
Speaking last week, Parr, 26, dismissed suggestions that he has fallen out with Høgmo and hoped to be in the squad and be given the chance to add to his nine full caps.
He said: "The squad is being picked next week and I’m really not sure if I will be selected. I’m just waiting to see but it’s definitely something I want to be a part of.
"There has been no fall-out with the manager. I’ve been a bit in and out since he took over but I’m just waiting for my chance.
"I’m not aware of him coming over to see me but he can watch the games on television. I’m available for selection and would love to be picked.”