Brunt wanted to face Koren

Albion star Chris Brunt is preparing for some international pre-match jousting with Robert Koren – after being robbed of the chance to meet his team mate on the field.

Brunt and Koren had been relishing the chance to go head-to-head when Slovenia host Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying action. Brunt's hamstring injury now means a lunchtime phonecall is the closest he will get to Slovenia skipper Koren.

The former Sheffield Wednesday star said: "I've had a little bit of a joke with Robert Koren, especially ever since I got injured. He keeps saying it's just because I don't want to go to Slovenia to play against him.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed at missing out on the chance to play against him because it would have been nice.

"I'll keep an eye on the results and probably give Robert a shout before the game on Saturday. I'm disappointed at missing out, because I think we've got a good chance of winning the two games against Slovenia and San Marino.

"I think we've had a few other pull-outs as well. It's going to make the Slovenia game even tougher."