Latics tested to the limit

DOMINIC Poleon is in line to boost Athletic’s attacking options in the penultimate game of the season at Walsall.

ATHLETIC’S players will continue to be tested on and off the pitch right up to the final afternoon of the season.

Manager Dean Holden is putting his squad through fitness assessments to set individual targets for pre-season training in the summer. That will continue into preparations for the final fixture of the current season campaign at home to Peterborough on Sunday, May 3 (12.15pm kick-off).

Before that there’s a stiff test at Holden’s former club, Walsall, this weekend.

The boss expects to have Dominic Poleon back to inject pace into the attack. Jacob Mellis is also in contention once more.

Conor Wilkinson has returned to parent club Bolton as Athletic wait for results on an injured hamstring. The hope is that Anthony Gerrard and Amari Morgan-Smith will also be ready to resume training tomorrow.

“The lads are playing for everything at this stage and this is where personal pride and professionalism come in,” Holden said. “Everyone may be starting to relax outside the club, but we have to make sure that we are on top of everything. There are no extra days off.

“There will be a good break for everyone after the Peterborough game. But right now there are six points to play for. We want to finish the season on a high, not least to give something back to supporters.”

twitter: @Matt_Chambers_