SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell has revealed the Shrimpers tried to stop Jason Demetriou teaming up with Cyprus.

Demetriou will miss Blues' trip to Peterborough United this weekend due to his international call-up.

But Powell said the club did all they could to stop Demetriou heading abroad.

"Jason didn’t want to go and we came very close to keeping him too," said Powell.

"But the problem with that is Cyprus could take umbrage and he would be banned for the next game if he stayed.

"We were trying to say he wasn’t available but he’s their captain.

" He was desperate to stay but he knew we could face a sanction from UEFA. "Sadly he’s gone and we will have to get on it with it.

"They have two games but I think he’ll only play one.

Demetriou has featured in the last three matches for the Shrimpers after recovering from the knee problem he suffered against Scunthorpe United in November.

But the 31-year-old has now been recalled by Cyprus, who faced San Marino last night before also hosting Belgium on Sunday, both in European Championship qualifiers.

Demetriou is expected to be replaced against Peterborough by Elvis Bwomono.