Poleon’s chance to fulfil promise

FULL OF PROMISE . . . jet-heeled Dominic Poleon may be given his head against Walsall tomorrow especially if Jonathan Forte (inset) has to sit it out with his knee problem.

ATHLETIC boss Lee Johnson has expressed concern over leading scorer Jonathan Forte - again doubtful for tomorrow’s Sky Bet League One visit of Walsall.

A summer capture from Southampton, Forte (28) began his Athletic career in fine style, having bagged his seventh goal of the season last weekend at Peterborough.

But the Barbados-born hit-man is being hampered by a niggling knee injury. It was initially believed he was being rested for the midweek Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash against Barnsley, but as Johnson revealed, there is more to it. “We planned on having him in the squad on Tuesday, but this persistent knee issue kept him out,” said Johnson.

“I’d say he was 50-50 for tomorrow. We’ve just got to manage his situation. What worries me is he’s not really doing enough training to stay sharp. He was in yesterday and today, so we’ll just have to see how his knee reacts.”

Johnson has plenty of options if Forte doesn’t make it tomorrow, one being livewire Dominic Poleon.

A deadline-day signing from Leeds, Poleon scored his first Athletic goal in the midweek Trophy tie, and now has a big spring in his step.

Johnson added: “Dom needed that goal. It was very important for him. He is a real threat, though he still has so much to learn. We haven’t even scratched the surface yet.”

Defenders Adam Lockwood and George Elokobi are still out of contention through injury, while Genseric Kusunga remains on international duty.

Timothee Dieng could get another chance to partner James Wilson at the heart of the back four after impressing against Barnsley.

Johnson said: “I’m expecting one of the toughest games of the season, but we are showing good signs ourselves.”