Blackburn manager Graeme Souness has lashed out at Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy for playing star winger Damien Duff for too long in the friendly international against Denmark.
Duff turned in an outstanding performance in last night's 3-0 win over the Danes in Dublin.
But what has angered Souness is the fact his player was not substituted until the closing minutes.
The Rovers boss, in the thick of a Barclaycard Premiership relegation battle at Ewood Park, said: "I was thinking of ringing beforehand to ask whether Damien could play for no more than 45 minutes - but I decided not to bother, thinking common sense would prevail.
"Then the lad is left on almost to the bitter end - which is hardly fair on Damien or Blackburn, especially because this was only a friendly."
Souness fears the extra work may have put undue stress on his player.
He pointed out: "Damien is prone to hamstring strains - especially when he is tired - as are many players, including the likes of Ryan Giggs.
"We have two vital games in three days, so what are we left with now - the prospect of playing him for no more than an hour in either?
"It is unfair and it would appear that there is one rule for some clubs and one rule for others.
"Some managers ring up to say their player has a strain and pull him out.
"Other managers ring up with the same information only to be told to send the player along so that the international team's doctor can have a look."
PA