Albion winger Jiri Skalak could be heading for a showdown with Wales in the Euro finals in France.
And that will interfere with the Czech star’s preparations for his first full season with the Seagulls.
The Czech Republic play their final group game against Turkey in Lens tonight with a chance of qualifying for the last 16.
Wales are potential opponents on Saturday if Skalak and his colleagues finish third behind Spain and Croatia. If they squeeze into second place he will be up against Italy next Monday – the same day as Albion report back for pre-season training.
Boss Chris Hughton told The Argus before the tournament he has “mixed feelings” about progress for the Czech Republic affecting the amount of time Skalak will have with the Seagulls to prepare for their Championship campaign beginning on August 6.
Skalak was withdrawn in the second half as the Czechs salvaged a late 2-2 draw with Croatia to keep their qualification hopes alive.
He did not play a part in the opening 1-0 defeat by Spain and is likely to be back on the bench tonight for the crunch clash against the Turks.
Chief executive Paul Barber hopes the involvement of Skalak, the first Albion player to ever represent his country in the Euro finals, is a sign of things to come.
Barber said: “The World Cup is two years away and with the direction the club’s going in I am very hopeful that we will see more Albion players on the global stage.”
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