91Èȱ¬

Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell has hailed Jack Fitzwater's character after the defender's late call-up into his side.

Illness meant Tristan Crama, who was due to start in the 1-0 win over Cambridge United, was unavailable with Fitzwater getting the call on the morning of the game.

It was his first league start of the season and his first full 90 minutes in League One since he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis last year.

"I phoned Fitzy straight away, there was no worry on our part, he has trained brilliantly," Caldwell told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Devon.

"He's been a brilliant character within the dressing room, he's part of the leadership group, so we knew that his professionalism would have him ready and I thought his performance was was outstanding.

"I said to the group after the game, 'that is why I keep saying training, being professional, being ready, working yourself to the limit so that when you get called upon you're ready' and you can rely on Fitzy 100%."

Having played a full part in pre-season after his diagnosis and recovery, thanks to medication, Fitzwater has struggled to break into an Exeter defence which is among the best in League One.

The Grecians have conceded just six goals this season - the second lowest in the third tier - and kept five successive clean sheets in all competitions.

"I try to be the best and help push on the three players in front of me who've been exceptional all season," the 27-year-old told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Devon.

"The only real way I was going to get into the team was unfortunately through either illness, injury or suspension.

"So I felt sorry for Tristan but I had to go on there today and take my chance and help the team, and I thoroughly enjoyed it."

Fitzwater says he is controlling his illness well and has been in good form after a full pre-season.

"Touch wood the medication I've been on for the last six months has been really really good for me," he said.

"I've had no issues since the back end of last season.

"My aim was to stay fit, I got some minutes at Northampton last season.

"I made sure I had a good off-season, stayed fit, healthy and I want to be available for every training session and game.

"It's not been a problem, it's not affecting me and I'm fit and healthy and couldn't be better really."