Latics out to rock Robins

FIT AND FIRING . . . defender Jamie Reckord is back in contention for Athletic

A FULLY-fit and confident Athletic team will head into tomorrow's home Sky Bet League One clash with stuttering Swindon.

Manager Stephen Robinson has enjoyed what has been a rare clear week to prepare for the game against the Robins, and a much-needed first home victory of the season hopefully beckons.

Athletic impressed during last weekend's goalless draw at Coventry, while Swindon are currently on a worrying run of three straight league defeats.

Robinson appears ready to try to exploit the Robins' dip in form.

"We'll be positive in the way we play, as we always are, because we do need to turn these draws into wins," said the boss, whose team have won one and drawn five of their eight games so far.

"I'm not sure about Swindon and whether there is any kind of a confidence crisis there, but I do know they set up well and have got some very good individual players.

"We have seen a lot of them and all the players seem comfortable on the ball.

'BREAKING'

"We're aware they're a threat. If they open you up they are capable of breaking on you, but we are more than confident, we've prepared well and we'll be going for the three points.

"It is about what we do.

"We went to Coventry and showed what we can do, with and without the ball. We're all quietly confident."

With Jamie Reckord and Ryan McLaughlin having come through a full reserve game each this week after shaking off recent injuries, Robinson also looks set for something of a selection headache.

He added: "We've got a very motivated bunch of players and they all want to start the game.

"I can only pick 11 on a match day of course, but everyone has been great in training every day this week.

"This has only been the second week we've had of full training, and it's been good because it's given us a chance to implement a few more ideas.

"Hopefully we'll see the fruits of that tomorrow."

Full-back Reckord, who has missed a month of action due to a hip injury and an earlier broken nose, is chomping at the bit to earn a recall now that he is available again.

He said: "It's good to be back in contention.

"I'm fitter now and personally I feel like I'm ready to go back into the side and push for a place tomorrow.

"It's going to be tough to get back into the side, though.

"The gaffer can only pick 11 players so it's hard for him, but I'm going to work my socks off to get back into the side."

Athletic (from): Ripley, Kettings; Wilson, Clarke, Burgess, Law, Dunne, McLaughlin, Dummigan, Mckay, Croft, Flynn, Klok, Green, Banks, Fane, Osei, Erwin, Ladapo, Reckord, Winchester.

TOMORROW'S Sky Bet League One fixtures -

Wimbledon v Shrewsbury, Bolton v Bradford, Bristol Rovers v Port Vale, Bury v Chesterfield, Fleetwood v MK Dons, Gillingham v Coventry, Millwall v Rochdale, Northampton v Southend, ATHLETIC v Swindon, Oxford v Charlton, Peterborough v Walsall, Scunthorpe v Sheffield Utd.