Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell says he is “amazed” Ilmari Niskanen and Josh Magennis were overlooked for international duty this month.
The decision leaves both players available for Saturday’s League One trip to Rotherham United, a timely lift as the Grecians seek greater consistency.
Form pair stay with City for Rotherham
Niskanen, 27, has 24 Finland caps and has started the season strongly from the right, while Magennis, 35, took his tally to three goals in six appearances with a brace in last week’s 3–0 win over Peterborough United. Caldwell believes recent performances merited national recalls, but accepts Exeter are the beneficiaries for the weekend.
“I think Ilmari Niskanen has been playing outstanding since the start of the season,” Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon. “Josh Magennis again, for me, has been brilliant coming back from a long-term injury and has played superbly well, and obviously Saturday was the best of those performances.”
Exeter travel to the AESSEAL New York Stadium looking to improve on three wins and three defeats from their opening league fixtures. With no call-ups, Caldwell avoids disruption to his forward options, keeping Magennis as a focal point and Niskanen’s running power on the flank. The pair’s availability is especially useful away from home, where City will expect to withstand pressure and counter effectively against a Rotherham side bedding in at this level.
Magennis’s early impact since returning from injury has offered leadership at the top end of the pitch, while Niskanen’s delivery has underpinned several of City’s best moments in the final third. Caldwell, who stressed his surprise at their omissions, also expressed confidence the duo will be back in their national squads soon, provided the current level is maintained.
“I’m very surprised, but I’m delighted they’re playing for Exeter on Saturday and not with their countries, and I’m pretty sure they’ll be back playing for their countries soon,” he added.
The Grecians’ selection picture is therefore clearer than many League One rivals during the break, allowing a near full-strength approach in South Yorkshire. With momentum from the Peterborough result and a settled front line, Exeter have the platform to target a statement away performance before the schedule ramps up again.
Writer’s View
The international snubs sting for Niskanen and Magennis, yet they could serve Exeter well. Magennis provides a reliable out ball and penalty-box presence, crucial for turning defending phases into territory higher up the pitch. Niskanen’s high-tempo work rate and crossing add balance on the right, stretching opponents and supplying quality into dangerous areas.
If both remain fit and in this vein, recalls will follow, but in the short term Caldwell gains continuity and decision-making experience on the pitch. Away to Rotherham, that blend of power and industrious wide play may be exactly what Exeter need to tilt a tight game.
