Files has sights on Hawks return

LESS than three weeks after keyhole surgery on a damaged knee, Adam Files might win a shock call-up in Oldham's top-of-the-table showdown at Hunslet Hawks on Good Friday.

"He's certainly in with a chance," confirmed coach Scott Naylor.

The 21-year-old hooker has missed the last three games and hasn't played since the Tetley's Challenge Cup win at Egremont on March 15. It was on the following Tuesday night during contact training that he fell injured.

At first it was feared he might have had to miss a large chunk of the season, but the damage has proved to be less serious than first thought.

Fans who arrived at Whitebank in good time for last Sunday's 52-16 win against Gateshead Thunder saw Files doing laps of the pitch under the guidance of club physio Lyndsey Watkins.

Added Naylor: "He has worked very hard on his rehab and he's making a remarkably quick recovery.

"He's had surgery to clean out the knee, but the injury clearly wasn't as bad as we first thought. He's young, strong and fit and if he continues to progress at the same rate over the next two or three days he might be in line to play at the Bank Holiday weekend.”

Naylor said it would be "great news" if Files were to be available for selection for potentially the toughest game in Oldham's season.