Crossley concern for Latics

MARK CROSSLEY: battle for fitness

GOALKEEPER Mark Crossley is in a battle to be fit for Athletic’s weekend clash with promotion rivals Leicester.

Crossley missed the second half of yesterday’s 4-0 victory over Hereford after going down with a back spasm.

The veteran has had similar injuries in the past, but he has usually made a relatively quick comeback after a few days’ rest.

Manager John Sheridan said: “He was struggling and we’ll have to see how it goes. Hopefully it won’t be too serious.”

Crossley (pictured above) had treatment late in the first half but had to make way for deputy Greg Fleming, who got his first taste of league action for Athletic.

A Scotland under-21 international who joined from Gretna during the summer, Fleming’s previous two appearances had both been in cup competition.

He is a highly-rated young prospect, and Sheridan would have no fears about throwing him into the limelight for Saturday’s big test at Boundary Park.

Leicester are second in the table, one point and one place above Athletic, though they also have a game in hand.

Centre-half Sean Gregan will be available to make his return after serving a three-match ban for being sent off at Hartlepool.

Athletic have had mixed fortunes in the absence of their captain, drawing with Huddersfield and losing at Stockport before their comfortable win against Hereford.

Neal Eardley will also be back in the fold, provided he gets through his latest international match without any problems.

The right-back is set to line up for Wales under-21s tomorrow in their European Championships play-off against England.

Wales are playing catch-up as they lost the first leg 3-2 at Cardiff’s Ninian Park, with Simon Church scoring twice but David Wheater, Adam Johnson and Gabriel Agbonlahor replying for England.

The rematch is at Villa Park and 19-year-old Eardley could captain his country once again.

Athletic’s reserves play Manchester United at Northwich tomorrow in the Manchester Senior Cup (7pm).