Striker Jason Scotland leads Swansea's scoring charts this season
Swansea have been boosted for their FA Cup fifth-round home tie against Fulham by the news that Jason Scotland has been excused international duty.
The striker has been granted special permission by Trinidad and Tobago to miss next Wednesday's 2010 World Cup qualifier against El Salvador.
That ensures Swansea's top scorer will remain fresh for the 14 February clash.
The decision is a special case and Scotland stressed that he remains committed to playing for his country.
"Personally it's great that I have been allowed to stay back and play the FA Cup match for Swansea, because it's obviously a massive game for us,'' Scotland told the Swansea website.
"It's a great opportunity for me and the club, but at the same time I know how important the game against El Salvador is.
"So in saying that, I also want to state on record that I'm not turning my back on my country.
"But after we looked at the situation closer, the decision was made to allow me to remain at Swansea.
"Thankfully there has been good communication and understanding between Swansea and Trinidad and Tobago.
"At this stage it's a good outcome, but I have also told the manager [Roberto Martinez] that I have all intentions of representing my country in future matches once I'm selected.''
The Swans earned their home draw after knocking holders Portsmouth out of the Cup, while Fulham needed two late goals to get past non-League Kettering.
Fulham will be the second Premier League team to visit the Liberty Stadium this season.
Earlier this season the Swans knocked Hull out of the Carling Cup with a 2-1 victory, after their second-round fixture went to extra time, while their win at Portsmouth was their second Premiership scalp.
If Scotland had travelled for the Soca Warriors' World Cup qualifier in San Salvador, he might not have arrived back from Central America until 24 hours before the FA Cup match.
T&T assistant coach Russell Latapy said they had been happy to accommodate Swansea's needs on this occasion but expected the same consideration for themselves if and when the need arises.
"It's one of those situations where Jason is doing very well for his club and in this case it can be a turning point for him and the club," Latapy said.
"Having been in such situations myself in the past as a player, it's difficult when you have to ask a player to travel this far and it's not a guarantee that he's going to be in the starting squad.
"So in saying that, they asked for him to be excused. We have said to them, 'well okay we don't have a problem'.
"But also in the future we expect that they will be understanding of our needs and situation when it's a case that we need the player to be available to us."
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