Latics wait on Jones injury

ATHLETIC’S hard-fought draw at Peterborough United came at a price after Daniel Jones sustained a serious injury.

The 22-year-old defender left London Road on crutches after damaging ankle ligaments.

Athletic will have to wait until the swelling goes down before a scan can take place which will then reveal the extent of the injury, but physio Marc Czuczman has virtually ruled out a break.

Jones’ loan spell from Wolves is due to end in three weeks and there is every likelihood he has kicked his last ball for Athletic, although manager John Sheridan would like to keep the player.

He said: “Daniel has done very well and, though he is still learning the game, I am sure he has the ability to play at the highest level.

“He is a player I would definitely keep if I could,” he explained.

Peterborough’s Craig Morgan was booked for the foul which forced Jones to limp off after half an hour.

Athletic have another injury concern as Mark Crossley was ruled out of Saturday’s game with a hamstring strain and is likely to be out for up to three weeks.

The 39-year-old ’keeper was hurt in training on Thursday, but the injury was kept a closely-guarded secret.

Crossley’s absence provided an opening for 22-year-old Greg Fleming, who made his full league debut at Peterborough, where he saved a first-half penalty from Aaron McLean.

Crossley was still in action on Saturday. With Sheridan completing a two-match touchline ban, he assisted Tommy Wright in the technical area.

Sheridan said: “He is part of my coaching staff and is very clever.

“He knows the game inside out and I told him to go with Tommy and, if he saw anything, to point it out.”

Defender Sean Gregan missed Saturday’s match after the wound inside his mouth, sustained against Brighton, became infected.

Gregan was put on antibiotics and was advised not to play.

Darren Byfield’s month-long loan from Doncaster Rovers ended after Saturday’s game.

Sheridan is keen to extend the 32-year-old striker’s stay for a second month and held talks with the player after the match.