Town manager Joe Royle says the Blues are in discussions with the FA in order to have Dean Bowditch withdrawn from an international U17s tournament being held next week. With a number of strikers on the sidelines Royle says he needs the youngster to be ready for action with the Blues.

Bowditch is due to report for duty with the England side later this week but Town are hopeful of securing his release: "Under normal circumstances Dean could have gone, but we need him here right now.

"He made a successful debut yesterday and, with a stack of games coming up, we need to have Dean here with us.

"We have Marcus Bent injured and Pablo Couñago suspended. Dean was given his chance and he showed that he can do it at this level.

"The fact that he's not in the reserves tonight for our game at Southampton shows that we are wanting him this week for the game at Wolves on Wednesday, at home to Stoke on Saturday and away at Crystal Palace tomorrow week.

"We have made representations to the Football Association, setting out our case and hopefully they will come back to us with the right answer as far as this club is concerned. We can but try and we're doing just that."

The England U17s face Czech Republic at Chester's Deva Stadium on March 12th, then Slovenia at Bolton on March 14th before a visit to Prenton Park, Tranmere to take on Scotland on March 16th.

Earlier in the season the Blues had Darren Ambrose and Darren Bent excused from England U20 duty as they were due to be involved in a number of Town games.

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