BIRMINGHAM City Ladies' debut in top flight football could be delayed for three weeks because of international call-ups.

Premier League rules allow clubs to cancel fixtures if two or more players are called up for international duty.

England under 19s compete in the World Championships in Canada next month and Blues could face losing five regulars.

Laura Bassett, Michelle Hickmott, Katy Ward, Jodie McGuckin and Faye Cardin all featured in the squad who played in the European Championships in May.

And they will be hoping for recalls for matches against world champions the USA, Chinese Taipei and Australia when the Premier League National Division season kicks off.

The Valley Stadium opener against Mohammed Al Fayed's title favourites Fulham on Sunday, August 18 is in doubt along with the trip to Tranmere a week later and the visit of Leeds United on Sunday, September 1.

Newly-promoted Blues might not be starting their season until Sunday, September 8 at Southampton Saints.

The club have swelled their ranks with the addition of two new signings.

The Redditch United tenants have signed two former Coventry City teammates in defender Laura Healy and goalkeeper Laura Watts.

Watts was signed from a Coventry side who will be plying their trade in the Womens Midland Combination after being relegated next season and Healy joined from National Division outfit Leeds United.

Manager Marcus Bignot is also keeping tabs on Sunderland midfielder Denise Thomas who he hopes will want to stay in the top division after Sunderland were relegated to the AXA FA Premier League Northern Division Blues won last season.

He faces competition from Leeds for the player but hopes to impress her when she attends a training session with the club.

Former Blues youngster Charlotte Richardson is one of 18 16-year-old hopefuls to join the Arsenal academy after passing trials.

The Birmingham left back will attend Oakland College and study for a BTEC in Sport while trying to establish herself in the Arsenal set-up.

The London giants, who go semi pro this season, accommodate the most talented youngster into their squad as well as loaning out players to bring them on.

Richardson, who played for Redditch United under 16s until last season, is a former Bridley Moor High School pupil from Batchley and will be allowed to train with Blues when available.

Footie fans suffering post World Cup cold turkey can get their fix when Studley open their pre-season programme at Express and Star League Premier Division side Ledbury Town on Saturday (ko 3pm).