Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough is pleased to be heading into the international break off the back of a three-game unbeaten run following the Brewers' 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

Optimism is brewing at the Pirelli Stadium again following a difficult past month or so, and Albion fans could be forgiven for thinking the footballing Gods had conspired against the to make this season as difficult as possible.

Liam Boyce's season-ending injury, that last-minute opening day defeat to Cardiff which engineered a run of three consecutive league losses and missing out on Cauley Woodrow meant the Brewers started the season looking anything but the way that they finished it.

It can be amazing how much one's fortunes can turn in just a week - and that win over Birmingham City a couple of Friday's ago looks to have kick-started the Brewers' season - and what a difference it looks to have made.

Optimism is brewing at the Pirelli once again after Joe Mason's equaliser against Sheffield Wednesday
Optimism is brewing at the Pirelli once again after Joe Mason's equaliser against Sheffield Wednesday

Albion head into the international break - a strange phenomenon for the Brewers having never had to deal with two-week breaks in the lower leagues - off the back of their three-match run, the capture of two new signings in Sean Scannell and Joe Mason that have re-invigorated the side, and a third-round Carabao Cup trip to Manchester United to look forward to.

Those two weeks off will certainly be a blessing for the Brewers' coaching staff, with the likes of Stephen Warnock and Hope Akpan returning to the side after their respective injuries and suspensions keeping them out of the side.

Those heading away on international duty, including the likes of Northern Ireland duo Matty Lund, Tom Flanagan and - until his inevitable move to Hull City is confirmed - Australia's Jackson Irvine will join up with their national sides full of confidence.

As a delighted Clough explained on Saturday evening after the 1-1 draw with the Owls, it can be a long two weeks when you go into the break on a bad run of form, but that makes it all the more sweeter when you're on a good run.

Nigel Clough looks on as Burton Albion draw 1-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday
Nigel Clough looks on as Burton Albion draw 1-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday

"It's been a brilliant eight days for the club, the cup draw against Man United away from home, losing your first three games and then getting four points from your next two, it's brilliant stuff," Clough said post-match.

"When you go into the break on a loss it affects the whole two weeks, everyone goes into it on a downer.

"They're going into it on a three-game unbeaten run, we have the Manchester United game to look forward to.

"Everyone will be on a high for the next two weeks, and so they should be as well.

Sean Scannell in action on his home Burton Albion debut against Sheffield Wednesday
Sean Scannell in action on his home Burton Albion debut against Sheffield Wednesday

"The problem we still have is we are at such varying stages of fitness, and match fitness with the likes of Sean Scannell.

"We could have possibly started Joe Mason today. We knew Sean wouldn't last after he did an hour the the night.

"He's done just over an hour today and Ben Turner's just played his second full game having missed the first five.

"Tom Flanagan's not up to speed yet, Hope Akpan's not up to speed yet, Joe hasn't played.

Ben Turner (centre) made his first Brewers league appearance of the season on Saturday
Ben Turner (centre) made his first Brewers league appearance of the season on Saturday

"We've got four or five injuries as well, so I think with all those circumstances after the week we've had, it's brilliant.

It's very much a case of perspective from Nigel Clough, and it's hard to disagree with him when the Brewers' treatment room is as full as it is, with the likes of Luke Varney, Boyce, Warnock, Lund - who is joining up with his national side despite being stretched off in the win against Birmingham - all to come back after the break.

Brewers fans and players can enjoy their two weeks off, keeping an eye on their heroes' national exploits, knowing full-well that Albion's next match - a trip to Leeds United - will be a lot easier if the high spirits continue.