Daniel Farke is pushing the positive benefits of a nervy international break for Norwich City, when it comes to the Championship promotion push.

A core of the Canaries’ Championship promotion chasing squad have now departed for far flung destinations around Europe to feature in upcoming qualifiers.

Kenny McLean and Timm Klose face long haul trips to Eastern Europe, for Scotland and Switzerland respectively, while top scorer Teemu Pukki will spearhead Finland’s attempts to upset Italy this weekend.

Farke has given the rest of his table-topping squad a few days off from training, but the head coach is ready for a tense spell - with one potential upside.

“I will be lying on the sofa and praying no one comes back injured,” he said. “We need to calm the load, both physically and mentally, so I am looking forward to quite a few relaxed days.

“On the one hand it is a great honour to have so many players picked for their national teams. That means we are doing something right and we have good players. I would be more concerned if no-one was called up.

“That said, you would wish perhaps Teemu or Max Aarons or Jamal Lewis could calm the load. It could also be an advantage.

“Timm is waiting to get some more minutes and I hope he will, with the national team, to come back into his rhythm. Kenny is another who has not had much football until the last month or so. I thought he was fantastic (at Rotherham).

“He was there in crucial moments and how many times he won the second ball to relieve the pressure on our defence. He controlled the balance of our game much more than in the last home game.

“In general, it is also good for the head, for these boys to go and enjoy a different surrounding.”

The same applies to City’s non international contingent, who are not expected back at Colney until later this week.

“We can now clear the head and wait for all the international boys to come back in good shape with no injury or illness. Then we go again,” said Farke. “We don’t feel the pressure but each game becomes more important.

“We have experienced guys who lead this group.

“People like Grant (Hanley) or Jordan (Rhodes) or Timm, who have not been playing much, are brilliant in the dressing room and calm everyone down. We will need this for the final games.”