Port Vale defender Krystian Pearce will be able to play for his club on Easter Monday after being released from international duty.The on-loan Birmingham City defender had been called up to the England Under-19 squad for a friendly game against Russia, but the Football Association have accepted Vale's request, made with the support of his parent club, that the home game against Gillingham is of more benefit to the youngster.

Vale boss Lee Sinnott told the Sentinel: "I am patriotic and believe the country should have a lot more say than it does. This was a friendly game, had it been a qualifier it would have been different.

"Both Birmingham and England's Brian Eastwick (Under-19 coach) see him playing in a League One game against Gillingham as being beneficial to his development. I put it to Krystian and he was for it as well."

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