Latics line up Ormerod loan

BRETT ORMEROD: surprise Latics move

AMBITIOUS Athletic have made a surprise move for striker Brett Ormerod.

They are ready to complete a loan deal for the Preston North End man, who could celebrate his 32nd birthday by being handed a debut in Saturday’s big game against Leicester.

Athletic already have several options up front, but they are aiming to build on their good start to the season during a hectic spell of fixtures.

Ormerod’s contract is set to run for just over one month, taking in seven league games and the FA Cup first round.

Ormerod made his name at Blackpool, where a prolific spell of 47 goals in 18 months catapulted him into the Premier League with Southampton.

He cost £1.75million and spent five years on the south coast, also going out on loan to Wigan and Leeds.

His move to Preston came in early 2006 and he has made 68 appearances for the Deepdale club, scoring 14 times.

Another loan move saw Ormerod help Nottingham Forest to promotion from League One last term. And, though he hasn’t featured at senior level this season, he hit a double for Preston reserves last week.

Ormerod’s career tally stands at 99 goals in 261 starts, plus 97 games as a substitute.

Athletic can already choose from Lee Hughes, Craig Davies, Lewis Alessandra, Chris O’Grady, Matt Wolfenden and Deane Smalley.

But Ormerod could be a vital addition during his busy initial month as Hughes is carrying a groin injury.

Hughes and Davies were the first-choice strikers when Athletic crushed Hereford 4-0 over the weekend.

Saturday’s game with Leicester, who are expected to bring at least 2,500 away fans, pits third against second.

Athletic have named a strong reserve team for tonight’s Manchester Senior Cup tie against Manchester United at Northwich (7pm kick-off).

Kieran Lee, who left United to sign for Athletic in the close-season, makes his comeback from a hamstring problem.

Goalkeeper Greg Fleming is also included despite an injury concern over Mark Crossley.

Reserves: Fleming, Lee, Dawson, Kalala, Thompson, Stephens, Smalley, Maher, O’Grady, Alessandra, Kilcourse. Subs: Bell, Brooke, Eaves, Rose, Esdaile-Biney.

Teenage defender Paul Black suffered an ankle injury in training yesterday, but hospital scans showed no break.

Black, currently on loan with Barrow, is still likely to face a lay-off.