NEIL Lennon admits news that Chung-Yong Lee could miss the whole of January whilst on duty at the Asian Cup came as some surprise this week.

Although the four-yearly tournament has been set in stone for some time, the newly-installed Wanderers boss had not had time to consider the Korean’s absence the New Year as he settled into life at the Macron Stadium.

Chung-Yong could miss four Championship games and an FA Cup tie if his country reach the final in Australia.

But speaking at his weekly press conference ahead of the home visit of Huddersfield Town, Lennon conceded the play-maker’s international involvement does him few favours.

“I only really became aware of it last night,” he said. “I’m not happy about it but what can you do? Try and talk Chungy out of going?

“It’s difficult when it’s a prestigious tournament for South Korea and he will want to be a part of it.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. But we could have done without it, put it that way.”

Chung-Yong has recovered from a dead leg to feature in the squad for tomorrow’s game, which will start with a minute’s silence for club legend Roy Hartle, who passed away recently.