Toon cup test for Latics lads

SEAN: Gregan (right): Back in training after a facial injury.

SCHOOLBOYS Andrew Crompton and Leroy Chinthengah have won call-ups to the Athletic squad for tonight’s FA Youth Cup third-round tie at Newcastle United.

It is a great opportunity for midfield-player Crompton and striker Chinthengah, both still only 15 years of age, as they are guaranteed places on the bench at St James’ Park.

They get their chance because Athletic have three youth-team players injured while Aaron Chalmers was last week released for disciplinary reasons.

“We are a bit thin on the ground for players, and it will be fantastic experience for both lads. We have had to get permission to take them out of school for the day so they can play,” explained Tony Philliskirk, Athletic’s head of youth.

Though Athletic’s youngsters will be underdogs - Newcastle are top of the FA Premier Academy Under-18s League - Philliskirk believes his side will give a good account of itself.

“Every year there is an upset in the competition, but this year there has not been one so, who knows, it could be us,” he remarked.

Athletic certainly have the firepower to cause an upset as strikers Tom Eaves and Ryan Brooke, who have both played in the reserve team, have already this season scored 25 goals between them.

Athletic’s youngsters will live the dream as they are to be given a build-up identical to a first-team match.

They were travelling this lunchtime on the first-team coach and will have a pre-match meal at the Marriott Hotel in Gateshead before travelling to St James’ Park for the game which kicks off at 7pm.

And for those unable to get to the game, Athletic will have live commentary on their website.

SQUAD: Bembo-Leta, Brooke, Chinthengah, Crompton, Dawson, Eaves, Esdaile-Biney, Kilcourse, McCall, McGrath, Ollerenshaw, Rowney, Rose, White, Zaicevs.

Sean Gregan was today reporting back for training after being injured late on during the home draw against Brighton.

Athletic’s captain has spent two days recovering from the facial injury which needed treatment at North Manchester Hospital on Saturday evening.

Gregan sustained a nasty cut inside his mouth which required stitches.

Striker Darren Byfield continues to receive treatment for a toe injury which ruled him out of Saturday’s game.