Rotherham United's upcoming fixtures are in doubt as they await a potential third international call-up. Manager Alex Bruce says the club's next two matches could be postponed if Manchester United loanee Jayce Fitzgerald is selected by England's youth teams in the next day.
The deadline to request a postponement for Saturday's home game against Crewe Alexandra is tomorrow. If that match is called off, the following weekend's trip to Exeter City would also be automatically postponed. The club has already lost Brandon Cover to Jamaica and Kieran Ngwenya to Trinidad and Tobago for the international window.
Bruce addressed the situation after his side's 1-0 away win at Northampton Town. "Jayce is the one who could make it the third call-up," the manager said. "If we hear anything about him over the next 24 hours, that might change things. But, as it stands, the games will be going ahead."
Fitzgerald, a 19-year-old midfielder, has represented England at under-16 and under-17 levels and remains eligible for the under-19s. Young goalkeeper Julian Eyestone has been on standby for the United States senior squad but is not expected to be called upon.
The uncertainty comes as Rotherham build momentum, moving to 14th in League Two with 9 points from seven games. Paul Mullin's 72nd-minute penalty secured a hard-fought victory at Sixfields Stadium, backed by 716 travelling supporters. It was a second positive result in a row following a 3-3 draw with Salford City.
Bruce was pleased with the defensive resolve shown to keep a clean sheet at Northampton. He acknowledged his team has played more fluent football in other games this season, including the draws with Salford and Tranmere and the win over Chesterfield. The focus now shifts to preparing for Crewe, who sit 9th, provided the fixture goes ahead. Fans can check the latest on the club's fixtures page and view the current standings.
Background and full detail: Rotherham Advertiser
