Double injury blow for Latics

ATHLETIC have been hit by a massive double injury scare ahead of their big North-West derby clash with Tranmere on Saturday.

Key attacking players Chris Taylor and Lee Hughes – with seven goals between them in four league games – are both serious doubts for the weekend match at Prenton Park.

Taylor, the in-form left winger, missed last night’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Morecambe due to a hamstring setback.

And striker Hughes limped off during the first half after suffering a groin injury. He was due to be assessed today.

Manager John Sheridan insists there is a chance of both men being fit for weekend, but it would be a surprise if either Taylor or Hughes faced Ronnie Moore’s Tranmere as minor muscle strains usually take a fortnight to repair.

And Athletic, after enjoying a largely clean bill of health early in the season, have also suffered a third blow.

Defender Stefan Stam, who joined Hughes in making a premature exit from last night’s match at Boundary Park, is set to face a short-term lay-off.

Stam has a groin problem, leaving Sheridan with very little cover at the heart of his back four.

Sean Gregan was rested for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and will return on Saturday, but he, Reuben Hazell and John Thompson are the only fit centre-backs.

And as Thompson has been left out in the cold this season – and also placed on the transfer list – Athletic are likely to add a new face to their squad.

Former Aberdeen player Richie Byrne has been training at Boundary Park and would give Sheridan options at both centre-half and left-back.

Byrne (26), capped at ‘B’ level by the Republic of Ireland, is a free agent who has been on trial at several clubs including Paris St Germain and Wigan.

He will play for Athletic’s reserves tonight in a Central League Cup tie against Derby County at Alfreton (7pm).

Squad: Bell, Rowney, Byrne, Kalala, Thompson, Dawson, Lee, Chalmers, Eaves, Brooke, Stephens. Subs: Ollerenshaw, Kilcourse, Esdaile, Bembo-Leta, Rose.