Clubs usually are keen to see their players represent their country but there is always the danger of them returning with an injury.

There has been some friction between Sone Aluko's and Mark McGhee's ambitions for the player. The former is understandably keen to play in the Under-20 World Cup finals. McGhee has ordered the winger to return to Pittodrie after he flew out to Spain without permission to meet up with the Nigeria squad. However, Aluko is desperate to play for his country and be part of the tournament, saying: "I want to play in the World Cup and I just want my wish to be respected." Aberdeen, who pay Aluko's wages, want the player to return from Nigeria's training camp to have his fitness assessed by their medical team before deciding whether to allow him to participate in the forthcoming tournament in Egypt.

McGhee was furious when Aluko returned from a punishing training stint with his country with an Achilles problem, costing him his place in the starting line-up for Monday's goalless draw against Falkirk. A question mark hung over his involvement in the tournament, which takes place from September 24 to October 16, as a result of the injury. However, Aluko - who represented England at under-19 level before switching allegiance to Nigeria - joined up with the rest of his team-mates anyway, which McGhee yesterday put down to crossed wires. He said: "In fairness, there may have been a bit of a misunderstanding. We're in contact with the Nigerian FA and are insisting that Sone returns to Pittodrie to be fully assessed by our medical staff before we decide whether we will give him permission to take part in the tournament."

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