'We'll talk' - Door not closed on Portsmouth midfielder Rocco Shein following controversial decision

Rocco Shein still has a future in the Estonia national team under manager Jurgen Henn.

However, the Pompey midfielder has been told he’ll have to prove he’s worthy of selection moving forward following his decision to turn down a call-up for the current international window.

The 23-year-old, who has been capped 25 times by his country, decided not to join his international team-mates for their latest matches as he felt his body needed a break due to its recent workload.

In a statement released by the £2.1m summer signing from Fredrikstad, Shein said prioritising his health at this important stage of his career would help him establish himself at Fratton Park and strengthen his position in John Mousinho’s ranks.

Henn admitted he was disappointed with that decision, with Shein’s no-show making his job tougher at a time when injuries have prevented others from being available.

Yet he has refused to close the door on a potential return for the midfielder, who will be hoping to add to his eight appearances for Pompey this season with a starting role against Southampton in the south-coast derby next weekend.

‘I wouldn't want to do things in the Estonian national team using this method of punishment,’ said the Sinisärgid boss when asked whether he would refuse to pick the player in the future.

‘Our selection of players is limited. But we have to evaluate not only the player's level, but also their commitment and availability.

‘Of course, it has an impact, but we'll talk in the future when things have maybe changed.’

In Shein’s absence, Estonia have secured impressive away draws in their first two games of their latest Nations League campaign against Iceland and Bulgaria respectively.

Luxembourg will be their latest opponents on Saturday (5pm) - a game that takes place on the same day that Shein will likely feature for Pompey in their behind-closed-doors friendly against Chelsea.

Estonia close their current three-week international window against Iceland at home on Tuesday, before regrouping again in November.

It remains to be seen whether Shein will be involved in those games against Luxembourg (away, November 13) and Bulgaria (home, November 16).

Pompey’s game against Southampton on Sunday, October 11, kicks off a run of five matches in 13 days for John Mousinho’s side.

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