Towers of strength

INSTANT IMPACT . . . Anthony Gerrard (right) has slotted into the centre of Athletic’s defence with impressive ease.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

BRIAN Wilson has been under the weather recently, but insists Athletic won’t be caught cold when dealing with Bradford City’s attack tomorrow.

Imposing front pair James Hanson and Jon Stead are set to provide another stiff physical test for Athletic’s new-look back five — one thrown together due to circumstances but which is looking the part, with consecutive clean sheets.

Right-back Wilson didn’t play in either fixtures due to flu-like symptoms, though he rose from his sick bed to occupy the bench at Crewe. In his position, in front of rookie goalkeeper Joel Coleman, was a back four of Connor Brown, Anthony Gerrard, Adam Lockwood and Mat Sadler.

The 31 year old hopes Athletic can again put Bradford to the sword as they did in October: “When we played them here last time, the lads dealt with Bradford’s threats well and we were the better team until the latter stages,” Wilson recalled.

“Having two experienced centre-halves in Anthony Gerrard and Adam Lockwood is a big bonus and a big strength for us.

“Bradford are very direct and will get the ball to the front men as quickly as possible. It is down to us to keep a strong back four and midfield four and try to counter-attack when we can.”

After training yesterday, Wilson could be in a group of players hoping to get back into the match squad.

Manager Dean Holden will soon have selection dilemmas in a number of positions and, with eight games left, optimism is on the rise again ahead of tomorrow’s game in West Yorkshire.

“To be a manager, you have to make those tough decisions,” said Wilson of the players returning from injuries. “That is down to Dean. It is a big game tomorrow and it helps going into it with back-to-back wins. Confidence is a massive thing in football. The massive derby on Tuesday night gave the fans and players a lift.

“We know that if we win tomorrow, it puts us within touching distance of the play-offs. These are a big eight games coming up.”