West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Irvine is seeking a boost from new striker Georgios Samaras.
Samaras has been axed by Greece for their Euro 2016 qualifier with the Faroe Islands and friendly with Serbia next month.
But Irvine says: "It will give us an opportunity to work with him. It'll give us an opportunity that we had with the likes of Sebastian Blanco.
"From our point of view it is a good thing. Hopefully from Sammy's point of view, ultimately, it's a good thing. I'm sure he'll be bitterly disappointed not to be in the squad because he's the captain."
The 29-year-old is yet to start this term after playing in the summer's World Cup meant he was behind on his fitness.
Irvine said: "He's not been ready, he's not been fit enough. I have said all along if you miss pre-season life is very difficult. It's difficult to get fit when other players are doing sessions as you are making sure they are doing the right levels."
