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Sweden boss Erik Hamren dropped Sebastian Larsson to the bench for his team's 2-0 victory over Liechtenstein after the Sunderland midfield man missed a penalty against Russia three days earlier.
Larsson was set to equal a club record with the legendary Charlie Hurley for the amount of caps won while on the playing staff at Sunderland - a mark which currently sits at 38 caps.
However, the 29-year-old found himself sitting out the game as an unused substitute with suggestions surfacing that Hamren's decision was due to Seb's failure from 12 yards in the 1-1 draw with Fabio Capello's Russia.
His omission left a bitter taste in the mouth for the former Arsenal and Birmingham City schemer and he's been vocal in his displeasure when speaking to the media in his homeland:
“I was very disappointed and I think that’s pretty easy to understand.
“There will always be new players who will do well, so it is important to always keep an eye on what is coming up behind you and be sure to perform all the time.
“That’s competition, but it’s tough when you do not get to play.
“When the next selection comes, I have to come back and try to keep my place.”
Of course, it's highly likely Larsson will get another opportunity in the starting line-up for Sweden, having been a regular under Hamren since he took charge in November 2009.
It's only a matter of time before the set-piece specialist overtakes King Charlie's record in becoming Sunderland's most-capped international in the club's history.