Newcastle United ace Sean Longstaff admits that his teammates would have rather been in the FA Cup than spending time in Dubai.
Given the Magpies had a Friday night game, they went for a mini camp to the UAE before the international break.
While such camps are useful for team bonding and cohesiveness, Longstaff admits they are disappointed at not being among the teams that played FA Cup quarter finals this past weekend.
Longstaff told Chronicle Live: "It is a massive 12 games coming up. But it is good we have a little break now.
"Obviously, we'd rather have been playing in the FA Cup but everything happens for a reason. Like I say it is our chance to get a break, get some players back fit.
"It will be a massive 12 games, we have put ourselves in a really good position. And I am sure we will all be excited for them."