YASER Kasim looks set to miss three Town fixtures, with the Iraqi midfielder called-up for an extended period with the national side.

The FIFA-specified international window runs from August 31 to September 8, but Iraq have scheduled a friendly on August 26 against Lebanon, which Kasim would like to take part in.

Town boss Mark Cooper will allow his midfielder to go early. However, it means Kasim will miss the league games against Sheffield United and Crewe Alexandra on August 26 and September 5, as well the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie with Newport County on September 1.

Cooper said: “My initial understanding is that he’ll miss the Sheffield United game and the two after that.

“It’s not even a FIFA-recognised international break. The first one isn’t. Yas will want to go and play and that’s his prerogative.

“We’ve got midfield players. He’s been playing brilliantly well, he’s a fantastic footballer and we’ll have to deal without him.

“Yaser is a fulcrum. He starts a lot of a play off and we’ll certainly miss him.”