Trophy show gives Latics boss selection poser

JAMES Dayton fires in a shot at the Barnsley goal on Tuesday night. PICTURE: ALAN HOWARTH

ATHLETIC boss Lee Johnson faces a happy selection problem as his in-form squad gear up for Saturday’s home Sky Bet League One clash against Walsall.

Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Barnsley — which Athletic won 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 after 90 minutes — saw Johnson make the maximum five changes to his starting line-up.

Timothee Dieng came in to partner James Wilson at centre-back, left-back Joseph Mills returned

following illness, while across the midfield, James Dayton shone and loan man Michael Tidser impressed on his full Athletic debut. Dominic Poleon also returned after being a substitute at Peterborough, and scored his first goal for the club.

So Johnson has plenty of food for thought heading to the weekend, thiough Dieng and Wilson are likely to be paired again in the centre of defence.

Johnson said: “The lads that came in all deserved their chances. They’ve been ready for a while and were all really chomping at the bit.

“Timmy Dieng was excellent. He played some lovely passes out from the back and he looks very smooth on the ball.

“Overall, though, I can’t be more pleased with everyone that came in. They showed their fitness levels and impressed me to a man.”

One man who retained his place and gave another terrific account of himself was central midfielder Mike Jones, another player who has flourished during Athletic’s nine-match unbeaten run.

Johnson added: “We’re really ticking in midfield now. Mike Jones has been a major part of our recent run. Mike’s got fitness, he’s got a great touch on the ball, and he’s got good vision.”