Cup chance for JP to impress

MIDFIELD man JP Kalala will put himself back in the shop window when Athletic face Manchester City tonight.

Kalala, who has been told he has no first-team future at Boundary Park, is set to play for the reserves in a Manchester Senior Cup tie (7pm kick-off).

The 26-year-old was largely frozen out of John Sheridan’s senior squad during pre-season as he is available to leave in a free transfer.

Sheridan is looking to trim the number of professionals at Athletic – Kalala made 26 appearances last term and still has almost a year left on his contract, but he is at the back of the queue for places.

Reigning player of the year Mark Allott and summer signings Danny Whitaker and Kevin Maher are currently heading the chase for two spots in central midfield. Athletic also have Dale Stephens as cover, while tonight will bring a first home match for Kieran Lee since he arrived in the close-season.

Lee (20) went down with a hamstring injury shortly after his move in a free transfer from Manchester United.

He can occupy a number of roles and was used at full-back by United, but midfield is his favoured position.

Defender John Thompson is also continuing on the road to fitness after enduring an unfortunate first 12 months with Athletic.

Thompson started out by breaking his nose on three separate occasions, but his long-term problems were caused by knee damage which led to surgery.

Athletic are set to field a strong team in their Manchester Senior Cup tie at Boundary Park, with nine professionals named in the 16-man squad.

Admission to the game is £4 for adults and £2 for juniors and senior citizens.

Reserves: Fleming, Chalmers, Thompson, Stam, Black, Smalley, Stephens, Kalala, Lee, Eaves, Brooke. Subs: Bell, Rowney, Kilcourse, Dawson, Bembo-Leta.

Athletic defender Neal Eardley is hoping to win his eighth full international cap when Wales play Georgia in Swansea tonight.