Defender’s return lifts Latics

Adam Lockwood

ADAM Lockwood could step in to the breach to make his first Athletic appearance for six months against Crawley.

Manager Lee Johnson confirmed the 33-year-old defender is now fit enough to be considered for a starting role, having recovered from the foot injury that has ruined his season.

The former Doncaster and Yeovil centre-back was an unused substitute in the 1-0 FA Cup win over Leyton Orient last weekend.

But with Genseric Kusunga on international duty and George Elokobi recuperating from a thigh problem, Johnson has a straight choice between Lockwood and Timothee Dieng to slot in alongside James Wilson for Saturday’s home game.

Lockwood could get the nod to get game time under his belt — particularly with the prospect of a possible suspension looming for James Wilson, who will incur a one-match ban in the event of another yellow card this season.

Lockwood suffered a pre-season foot injury and Athletic have since guided him carefully back to fitness. He recently took on coaching responsibilities when Paul Murray left to manage Hartlepool.

New signing Daniel Johnson is also set to make a first Athletic appearance at some stage in the Crawley game.

The manager says the loaned Aston Villa talent could operate in an advanced role in any of the three positions in front of midfield anchor Liam Kelly.

Lee Johnson also hinted that when Elokobi returns — perhaps for the Sheffield United game on November 22 — Athletic could revert to playing with three centre-backs.

“With Adam Lockwood, James Wilson, Genseric Kusunga and George Elokobi, there is potentially a very strong back three that could cope with a pair of strikers between them, giving us more attacking options further up the pitch. There’s a lot of options in the squad now.”

Michael Tidser is fit again after being absent from the action since making a late cameo against Coventry and also boosts midfield options, while Jabo Ibehre is also back.

Amari Morgan-Smith will be in contention from next week, and Rhys Turner has recovered from his latest hamstring injury.