Dieng to link with Wilson in Latics defence

Reporter: SIMON SMEDLEY
Date published: 07 October 2014


INJURIES and unavailability will force Athletic boss Lee Johnson into trying out a new central-defensive partnership in tonight’s home Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Barnsley.

George Elokobi and Adam Lockwood are out through injury, while Genseric Kusunga is on international duty with Angola - meaning Johnson will pair Frenchman Timothee Dieng and James Wilson at the heart of the back four.

Looking ahead to a Roses clash which will book a Northern Section quarter-final berth for the winners, Johnson said: “It’s unbelievable. One minute you seem to be overloaded with centre-halves, the next you’re scraping round trying to find one. We will go with Timothee Dieng and James Wilson tonight and they’ll be fine. They get on really well together and balance nicely.”

Grenoble-born Dieng (22) joined Athletic in the summer from French side Brest. He has started twice so far, as right-back against Middlesbrough and in midfield against Leyton Orient.

Joseph Mills will come back into contention after missing Saturday’s league draw at Peterborough through illness, while there is a slight doubt surrounding Carl Winchester, who has a groin injury.

Johnson will be fully focused on progressing tonight, with a dream Wembley date in prospect for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy finalists.

The Athletic boss added: “I really take this competition seriously. I would love nothing more than to walk out in front of an Oldham side on that Wembley turf.”