Andy Robertson has taken aim at FIFA's fixture scheduling as he lamented the "unacceptable" amount of games being played in June.
The Scotland star, who has picked up over 50 international caps, has been left less than impressed with his country's workload. Four UEFA Nations League games will take place in June whilst Steve Clarke and his side need to find a slot in the calendar to play Ukraine in their World Cup qualifier.
If they win that game then a final qualifier against Wales will also have to be scheduled - all of which could take place in June. That furthers demands on players, with the summer break already shortened as a result of the first ever winter World Cup, which begins on November 21.
The Scottish season begins on July 9 whilst the Premier League will also kick-off earlier than usual. Robertson has aired his views and insists the breaks afforded to players is "unfair". He said: "I don't think it's fair to ask players to play six games in June when our summer break is already being cut short because of the World Cup during the season.
"A lot has been said about player welfare over the last couple of years and I hope that's at the forefront of the decision. To ask players to have only two weeks off in a whole year is unacceptable for me. The Nations League is important but four games is a lot after an intense season for everyone. I think four has to be the maximum.
"We are already going to June 14 and all the boys are back at the latest by the start of July. The Scottish-based boys are back well before that, the Championship boys as well. You are asking boys to have eight or nine days' holiday, which I don't think is fair. That's why I hope it doesn't go further than June 14."
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Robertson has shown sympathy with Ukraine as the country currently battles a Russian military invasion. Their qualifier has already been delayed but the left-back is adamant the game can only be played when it suits their opponents. He said: "Whenever Ukraine can play the game then we have to play it, whether that's September or October or whenever it has to be.
"But maybe other games could be moved to other international breaks to fit that in. It has to be on their terms and I think other games can make way for the most important ones." Robertson's club coach Jurgen Klopp has long been outspoken about the fixture calendar and the demands placed on players.
He said recently: "The calendar is not made for a lot of success for the same team". The contrasting training regimes and rest schedules employed by clubs and countries rarely align which can result in injuries or increased fatigue. Klopp has also been open in saying he "doesn't like" international breaks.
