Mike Williamson insists it would have been wrong to ask Terell Thomas to remain with Carlisle United rather than head off on international duty.
The Blues squad is heavily depleted by injuries – and Thomas’ latest Saint Lucia call-up deprives them of another key man this weekend.
But head coach Williamson, whilst disappointed to lose the defender for the AFC Wimbledon trip, says he did not consider asking Thomas to stay put, in spite of the threadbare nature of his United squad at the moment.
The summer signing is set to captain Saint Lucia in a CONCACAF Nations League double-header against Saint Martin.
Asked if he had entertained any thoughts of asking the 28-year-old not to join his international colleagues, Williamson said: “I didn't want him to go. [But] I know how proud he is and what it means to him.
“Obviously, it's fantastic to be called up and also to say he's captain of the country.
“I think even to have a conversation with him would have put the pressure on him.
“I think, knowing what it means to him, [that wouldn’t be] right.
“For me, I want him to go and give everything – obviously look after himself the best he possibly can, but these opportunities are too big for me to be able to, given the circumstances, try and put that pressure on him and hold him back.
“We wish him well. He's got everyone's support and fingers crossed he comes back ready to go.”
Thomas had missed Saint Lucia’s previous games in September shortly after he had returned from injury at Brunton Park.
This time, though, he will be back in the international fold.
Saint Lucia’s first game is an away clash with Saint Martin, which kicks off at 1am on Saturday UK time.
The return fixture on home soil for Thomas and his team-mates kicks off at midnight on Monday night. The defender will then be due to return to Carlisle for next weekend’s home League Two clash with Harrogate Town.
In his absence this weekend, Ben Barclay could return to the defence should Williamson opt for a like-for-like replacement.
Barclay captained United in Tuesday’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy defeat to Wigan Athletic. Jack Ellis is another defensive option at Williamson’s disposal for the clash in south London.
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