BIRMINGHAM City Ladies skipper Laura Bassett was jubilant after learning of her latest England call-up.

Bassett, who came off the bench in a recent friendly in Italy to make her senior international debut, has been called up for three friendlies in North America next month.

Hope Powell's England squad will take on World Champions USA at Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday, May 17 before a double header against the hosts nation in Canada.

But fears over the SARS outbreak in Toronto have cast a doubt over the matches in Hamilton on Monday 19 and the Frank Clair Stadium, Ottawa, the following Thursday.

But despite the health worries, Bassett, who plays in midfield for Blues and central defence for her country, was overjoyed to get her call-up yesterday (Tuesday).

The 19-year-old stopper is studying at Loughborough and learned of her call-up the same day as fellow students Kelly McDougall, Toni-Anne Wayne, Amanda Barr and Casey Stoney.

And Bassett is hoping to add to her brief senior outing in Italy.

The World Health Organisation has controversially advised against non-urgent visit to Toronto.

Redditch United tenants Birmingham were crowned 'best of the rest' after finishing fifth in their debut top flight season despite defeat to Charlton on the final day.

With Fulham professional and Arsenal, Doncaster Belles and Charlton semi pro, Blues chairman Steve Shipway was delighted to see his strictly amateur side finish fifth.

The Valley Stadium tenants lost 3-2 at Charlton after a heartbreaking injury time penalty on Sunday in a match they twice led despite travelling without a goalkeeper.

Laura Watts was ruled out by a bereavement and with Mel Ramsdale unavailable, Beth Bailey played in goal and the former Chesterfield shot-stopper had a stormer.

The damage was limited because Leeds were held to a 1-1 draw and Shipway said fifth place was a platform to build from.

Blues could look to Loughborough University for new recruits and already have four players - Laura Bassett, Katy Ward, Faye Cardin and Michelle Hickmott - studying there with three more of the club's crop of players applying for places in the next academic year.