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FITNESS ISSUES: Jacob Mellis is trying to return to peak condition after a spell on the sidelines.

HARD-RUNNING midfield man Mike Jones has travelled the equivalent of Athletic’s round trip to Leyton Orient already this season.

The ex-Crawley star, a consistently high-level performer, was off colour in the recent Colchester defeat, which led to him being time off by manager Lee Johnson to rest.

“The idea was that he would go away abroad somewhere. We expected Paris... and he ended up staying at his mum’s house for three days,” Johnson joked. “It shows he needed a cuddle.

“Hopefully he will come back as good as he has been all year. He has been a great signing for us.”

Jones is one of only two ever-present team members - defender James Wilson being the other.

Across 42 matches Jones has averaged around 13.5km per game. Which means the 27 year old has covered 500km in Athletic colours, enough for a hike to Brisbane Road and back!

With a small squad at Johnson’s disposal, it has also been hard graft for fellow midfielders Liam Kelly, Danny Philliskirk and Carl Winchester. The key quartet have been missing for a combined total of eight league games so far

Perhaps it was simple fatigue in the engine room that contributed to Athletic’s unexpected defeat by struggling Colchester. Though he avoided blaming tiredness after the game, Johnson later implied the club’s five games in 15 days had taken their toll. “It all has a big mental impact on the players,” Johnson said.

“With Mike Jones, I was a little upset with his performance against Colchester as you know what you are going to get from him usually. Maybe the run of games caught up. Hopefully we’ll see the benefit of his being given time off.”

At the other end of the fitness spectrum is loan midfield man Jacob Mellis. The Blackpool player is still negotiating his way to peak condition.

“I don’t mind where I play as long as I am getting touches on the ball,” he said.

“I gave it away a lot in the Colchester game which I am not happy about.”

Mellis, who admitted to feeling a little “leggy” last weekend, is targeting a strong start tomorrow at Brisbane Road as Athletic aim to get back to winning ways.