Rooney staying put — for now

ADAM Rooney will not be ushered out of the Latics squad in spite of clubs in Scotland chasing him, says Athletic manager Lee Johnson.

The 25-year-old summer capture was back on the subs bench during the 1-0 win over Stevenage. WIth only four goals in the league this season, speculation has surrounded the future of the former Inverness man.

Rooney has seen his prospect of getting a place in the side diminish further with the return of fellow forward Charlie MacDonald. But Johnson says he won’t be actively looking to farm out the Dublin-born player.

“There has been interest, but Roons is a good scorer and a good player,” said Johnson, who takes his side to Walsall tomorrow (7.45pm).

“I am not going to really open the door to him moving just yet. I want him to get his confidence back and settle down. If an offer comes in which is a better deal for him then of course you think about it — as we would for any of our players.

“If there is anyone in the world you want to do well it is Roons. He is such a good lad and such a good pro.”

One player who will be leaving Boundary Park in the near future is Mike Petrasso. The teenage winger is due back at his parent club QPR when his loan expires after Port Vale on Saturday.

The Canadian could return again, but the quality of his recent performances has made rival clubs take notice.

“We have to have a talk to QPR. I know a lot of clubs want to take him, but I think they trust the way we treat him,” Johnson said.

“He is enjoying himself here. They will assess him for a few days, maybe up to a week, then make a decision.”

Petrasso’s possible departure could open the door for an introduction for on-loan Rotherham man David Worrall, who is close to getting game-time as he continues the process of recovering from groin surgery.