The international break is a hugely frustrating time for any football fan. It used to be that, whilst we lost the excitement of domestic football for a weekend, the clashes at international level were exciting and something to look forward to.

However, in recent years international football outside the major tournaments has fallen to a low where qualifiers, thanks to the make up of the groups, are deemed as friendlies and, as shown in Dortmund on Wednesday, friendlies are now utilised as testimonials.

Nowhere was the decline of football at this level more evident than in Scotland’s 1-1 draw with Canada (yes, Canada), when just 9,000 fans turned up to watch Gordon Strachan’s side.

If the break is a tough time for fans, just imagine what it’s like for those left behind by their nations having to continue their day-to-day routine with no game to look forward to and half their teammates gone.

Whilst it will be a dull time for those involved in football, the break does present an opportunity for those less fortunate in the season that has gone by.

There is little left to play for in east London this season, meaning that attentions will slowly be shifting to preparations for next season, where all involved at the London Stadium will be hoping West Ham can make a better fist of their second campaign in Stratford.

Trouble on and off the pitch has marred their maiden season away from Upton Park, however, that was not helped by the shape of the side going into the new term, with the summer additions far from the standard required to compete for those elusive European spots in the Premier League.

With that in mind, it is imperative that manager Slaven Bilic gets his side ready to go well ahead of schedule. With the top players all having flown to their respective bases to sign on for national duty, those fringe players left behind must show their worth to the Croatian.

The recent emergence of Andre Ayew, having recovered from injury, and the chance that will now be handed to Edimilson Fernandes due to the injury of Pedro Obiang should serve as reminders to the likes of Arthur Masuaku and Ashley Fletcher that there will come a chance when they can make their mark on the first team, and that they need to be ready when it does.

There will be chances between now and the end of the season and, as Ayew’s performances have shown, there is a pathway from impressing to being on that teamsheet come the weekend. Those on the edges of Bilic’s squad, should they put the work in over this break, can put themselves into the picture to be given a go when the time comes.