TIM Ream has his fingers crossed that a week away on international duty won’t land him in the bad books with Neil Lennon.

The American defender found himself treading on eggshells back in November when he was dragged away from Wandererstraining camp to play just three minutes of a friendly against Republic of Ireland.

Lennon accused the US camp of a “complete lack of respect” at the time and might not have been impressed to see the 27-year-old remain on the bench throughout a 3-2 defeat in Denmark on Thursday night.

But Ream is more likely to be involved tomorrow as the US face Switzerland in Zurich with Jurgen Klinsmann looking to address a few defensive problems which have cropped up in the last few months.

Either way, Ream will have to grin and bear it – just being selected in the squad is a step up from last summer, when he was surprisingly excluded from the World Cup party.

“I didn’t get that call and it was a strange one at the time,” Ream agreed. “This time around I’ve got to do anything to get into that team.

“There are a couple of smaller milestones between now and then to aim at but if it’s a choice between getting a week off and going out to play friendlies, then so be it.

“I think what happened with the Ireland game (which caused such consternation in the Wanderers camp) and a late call-up was exceptional circumstances.

“I’m not sure if the manager is exactly ecstatic when I do get called – but it’s one of those things we have to deal with.

“You can say a break would be nice but there is nothing better than being involved in your national team and getting another cap.

“Hopefully, as well, that means I’m carrying on that road to the next World Cup.”

Between now and Russia 2018, the main focus for the US will be July’s Gold Cup, where lifting the trophy would guarantee entry into the 2017 Confederations Cup.

Before the tournament, friendlies have been pencilled in against Mexico in April and Holland and Germany in June.

It all adds up to little rest for the Wanderers defender, who has also made more league starts than anyone else in Lennon’s squad this season.

Ream believes the current break came at a good time for the Whites, still reeling from another late equaliser and yet more dropped points at Wigan Athletic.

“I think if we would have been on a good run, most of us wouldn't want the international break,” he told The Bolton News. “But the way we've been going, giving up last-minute goals, it's a bit of a welcome break, especially for the guys who have played a lot like myself, Millsy (Matt Mills) and Paddy (McCarthy) coming in and playing as much as he has after not playing for 21 months.

“Some guys look like they need a bit of time off. So, I think it comes at a good time.”