Lee backs Latics to come good

AMARI MORGAN-SMITH . . . may be handed his chance.

AMARI Morgan-Smith could make a shock debut for Athletic tonight.

The 25-year-old former Kidderminster Harriers forward has yet to play for the club in a competitive game du e to a month out with a knee injury.

But manager Lee Johnson could hand the ex-Luton and Macclesfield man a role on the substitutes’ bench as Athletic look for their first win of the season against Port Vale at SportsDirect.com Park. Brian Wilson (groin injury) is only a 50-50 shot to play.

“Of course we are disappointed,” Johnson said, referring to a run which has brought a point at Colchester and defeats at home to Middlesbrough and Leyton Orient.

“But you can look at the stats the way you want to. Are we three without a win, or have we lost one in 12?

Johnson says it will take some time for his new recruits to come good.

“We have another new group of players and we have got to dig in. It is hardly a crisis. If you are 10 league games without a win, then you have a big problem.

“All of the players have shown good form at certain times already. Jonson Clarke-Harris was excellent in the first half against Leyton Orient, Jonathan Forte has shown what he can do and Liam Kelly played really well at Colchester before having two not-so-good performances at home.

“We are forging a new side with new players and there will be ups and downs. As a manager, you have to keep your feet on the ground — just as I would be if we had won our first two league games.”