BIRMINGHAM City Ladies have been forced to postpone another two first team fixtures after having five players called up for international duty with the England under 19s.

Striker Katy Ward, left back Michelle Hickmott, defender Faye Cardin and midfielders Jodie McGuckin and Josanne Potter have been called up and full back Beth Bailey is on standby for three Euro 2004 qualifiers in Bulgaria.

And with three players on international duty, Blues manager Marcus Bignot has exercised his option of postponing the Premier League Cup trip to Southern Division side Wimbledon on Sunday, September 29 and the National Division fixture at home to Charlton Athletic on Sunday, October 6.

Chairman and assistant manager Steve Shipway was refusing to panic after Blues went down 2-0 to a Tranmere side who started the day bottom of the National Division table.

The weekend result, combined with Southampton's 2-1 win over Everton, saw Blues slip to eighth, one place and two points above the relegation places occupied by pointless Everton and Brighton.

Sunday's match against Everton at the Valley kicks off at 11.30am because of the England v Iceland World Cup play-off at St Andrews the same day.

After the postponements, Blues expect to return to action at home to struggling Brighton on Sunday, October 13.