I've gotta say its sounds like one of those "which cup is the ball under" tricks

Whats happening with Fitzgerald, he seemed to be the next big thing two years ago, but appears to be slidign down the pecking order a bit - loss of form? injury? a bit of both?

Exactly that. But in the other order. Long Injury followed by loss of form, but being fair he was right back to his best a month ago before another (minor) injury.