Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Stefan Jovetic are recognisable names in the world of the Premier League, but the mere mention of them will make Leeds duo Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev tremble on Monday morning.
Kamara and Gruev were late signings at Leeds in the summer window, as Daniel Farke quickly bolstered the middle of the park. Kamara made his Leeds debut last time, a late sub against Sheffield Wednesday.
Gruev was barred from doing so, still awaiting specific documents and international clearance. But, both players immediately jetted off to represent their countries – both playing twice for Finland and Bulgaria.
Kamara was only a sub in a 1-0 win over Kazakhstan last week, but he started against Denmark at home. Playing the entire 90 minutes, Finland looked as if they may sneak a decent result against a strong side.
But it was £20m Tottenham midfielder Hojbjerg who broke Finland hearts, lashing a brilliant right-footed effort from the best part of 25 yards into the bottom corner. Just four minutes left on the clock. 1-0.
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Leeds duo Gruev and Kamara suffer late international heartbreak
If you thought that was bad, Gruev and Bulgaria was worse. It comes after Gruev was to blame for his nation’s 1-0 loss to Iran on Thursday – failing to get enough purchase on a header to his goalkeeper.
Starting back in his more natural position of central midfield against Montenegro, Bulgaria were close to stealing a solid away point. But, ex-Man City man Jovetic struck – flicking a header in at the far post.
Despair for Gruev. A dismal international break for him – the only positive being that he has double digits in terms of caps for his country, winning his tenth on Sunday. Both will be travelling back to Yorkshire.