Usually the idea of a mid-week international friendly is enough to make me sick to my stomach. Friendlies serve very little purpose, especially when they are risking injury and potentially fatiguing players for games that actually mean something. With that in mind, there is actually a friendly that I'm excited for this week.

So why exactly am I excited to see the Czech Republic take on Slovakia? Because Tomas Kalas has been named as an injury replacement to the squad. It will be a big, big day for the young Czech defender, as he's been in fine form for Vitesse this season and is very deserving of the call. Also worth noting, Petr Cech will not be taking part, as the Czech Republic agreed earlier in the year to rest their number one in friendlies.

While it's unclear where where Kalas will be played if he plays in that game at all, it's nice to know that his performances in the Eredivisie are not going unnoticed. Congratulations Tomas, I'm sure every Chelsea fan out there is pulling for you.