PRATLEY SAYS NO

By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Darren Pratley has put his international career on hold for the good of Swansea City.

Pratley was named in the Jamaica squad for Gold Cup fixtures against Canada, Costa Rica and El Salvador in early July.

But after a chat with Swansea boss Roberto Martinez, the midfielder has turned down the chance to meet up with the Reggae Boyz for the first time.

"I spoke to the gaffer about it," said Pratley, "and he told me that joining up with Jamaica would put me a couple of weeks behind everyone else in pre-season.

"Getting a good pre-season under your belt is crucial for any player and I didn't want to end up falling behind everyone else and having to play catch-up.

"I had to make a decision and in the end thought it was more important to make sure I prepared right for the new Championship season."

The decision not to go means Pratley misses out on an international bow for the second time and leaves a question mark over when his next chance will come.

The 24-year-old was set to feature for the Reggae Boyz, who he qualifies for through grandparents, back in February but picked up an untimely should injury.

After turning down his second opportunity, Pratley may have to earn his next chance under a new coach as ex-England star John Barnes is tipped to end his stint as Jamaica boss this summer.

"This hasn't changed anything," Pratley said. "It's not that I don't want to play for Jamaica, it's just that I don't want to miss out on the most important stage of the season with Swansea."

CREWE STILL KEEN ON DEN

South Wales Evening Post

Crewe Alexandra boss Gudjon Thordarson has reiterated his desire to sign ex-Swansea City defender Dennis Lawrence.

Veteran centre-back Lawrence has been released by Swansea after spending much of last season in loan at Gresty Road.