Boss wary of Sky Blues threat

STEPHEN ROBINSON

ATHLETIC have been warned by manager Stephen Robinson not to read anything into Coventry's lowly status tomorrow.

The Sky Blues sit second-bottom of Sky Bet League One, without a league win all season.

But while nearly full-strength Athletic can argue they have not had the rub of the green in recent weeks, Robinson says Coventry can argue a similar case.

AIMING

And while aiming for a first-ever win for Athletic at the home of the West Midlands club, Robinson believes that one of the pre-season favourites for the promotion shake-up will still be aiming to kick-start a season that has yet to ignite.

"Coventry are in a false position," said Robinson, who has key men Ousmane Fane and Freddie Ladapo back in selection contention.

"You look at their squad and the money that has been pumped in there and the budget blows ours out of the water as is often the case in this division.

"We have watched them in quite a few games and they have been very unlucky not to pick up more points.

"We are under no illusions - it will be a big test for us. A club like Coventry will always be wanting to push for promotion and I imagine it is still the case.

"I really like the style of football they play although it is a little risky at times.

"All that said, we have had our own run of not great fortune and at the moment, we are a lick of paint off a post away from being much better off in the table."

Fane returns from serving a one-match ban and on-loan Crystal Palace striker Ladapo is back after missing the Chesterfield draw through illness.

However, this game has come too soon for Jamie Reckord (hip and groin) and Calaum Jahraldo-Martin (hamstring) to be involved, despite their involvement in a midweek closed-doors friendly against Rochdale.

"There is plenty of competition for places, though having said that there are a couple who played this week who are not quite up to speed yet," Athletic's manager added.

"Jamie had half a game but he has been out for a while now and Calaum is not quite there yet in terms of fitness, so those two may not be involved just yet.

"Cammy (Dummigan) played for 45 minutes against Rochdale to get into the swing of things for us and there are a few good headaches in terms of selection.

"We will freshen it up at Coventry and make a couple of changes.

"It is a big stadium and there will hopefully be a big crowd there. We look forward to the game."

Athletic (probable, 4-1-2-1-2): Ripley; Law, Clarke, Burgess, Dunne; Fane; Green, Flynn; Mckay; Erwin, Ladapo. Subs (from): Kettings, Wilson, Dummigan, Klok, Banks, Winchester, Croft, Woodland, McLaughlin, Osei.