Strikers set to boost Athletic

ATHLETIC should have extra firepower at their disposal for their double-header Easter programme against Carlisle and Crewe.

Steven Kabba looks to be winning his fitness battle, while fellow forward Deane Smalley also has an outside chance of featuring in the two fixtures.

Kabba, who is on loan from Watford for the remainder of the season, has been ruled out of the last two matches with a hamstring strain he sustained in training.

But the latest medical bulletin from the Boundary Park treatment room is that the injury is responding well and he has ever chance of being ready for the Good Friday match at Carlisle.

It was originally feared the damaged hamstring would keep Kabba out for a month and he might only be back for the last week of the season.

Smalley, who hurt a muscle in his hip in training last week, was ruled out of Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Peterborough.

The striker continues to receive treatment and his prospects of recovering for weekend are put at 50/50.

With Kabba and Smalley injured - and Lee Hughes and Chris O’Grady on loan - Athletic manager Joe Royle’s forward options have been restricted.

Indeed, Lewis Alessandra and Matty Wolfenden, only just back in action after a lengthy injury lay-off, were the only two recognised strikers available on Saturday.

Captain and central defender Sean Gregan reported pain in his ankle after the Peterborough game, but it is not expected to keep him out.

Gregan had been a major doubt after landing awkwardly in training earlier in the week and badly jarring his ankle.


CREWE'S League One survival bid has been dealt a blow with the news that on–loan Leeds defender Alan Sheehan will miss the remainder of the season with ankle ligament damage.