Wil power gives Latics firm base

PAIR OF ACES: James Wilson - he and Brian Wilson have been in consistently good form this season.

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ATHLETIC’S impressive Wilson double act - the thou-shall-not-breach boys - have proven themselves to be of platinum standard.

Centre-back James has been in eye-catching form throughout the season, his pace and awareness quelling any number of attacks along the way to 10 matches unbeaten.

Throw any defensive partner at him — George Elokobi, Genseric Kusunga or Timothee Dieng — and the former Bristol City man simply gets on with the job.

“We train with them all every day,” said league ever-present James (25) of the centre-back merry-go-round. “You get used to their styles. They are all good players, so it’s not a problem.”

Five clean sheets in six matches until the Scunthorpe game - when Elokobi went off with a thigh injury - tells the tale of Athletic’s effectiveness at shutting out opponents.

Goals have been conceded at a steady flow since then, but at the same time Athletic’s attacking elements have at times been wonderful on the eye.

“We have been solid, but we are playing well as a team in passing the ball,” added James. “Keeping hold of it always helps the defenders. It’s 10 unbeaten in league and cup and there is no reason why we can’t climb higher and stay up there for the rest of the season.”

For that goal to be achieved, Athletic surely need men like Brian Wilson to remain fit.

In his understated, highly-reliable way, the right-back, a shrewd summer capture from Colchester, has put a smile on the face of his manager Lee Johnson.

“Brian Wilson is a top player and for this division, he has everything,” Johnson said of his former Bristol City team-mate.

“He makes good decisions on the ball, he is fit and mobile and gets up and down the right-hand side.

“He is experienced in the division and players like him have made a big difference to us with their

general consistency. Tactically, he is excellent every week.”