Lomax is major Athletic doubt

kelvin lomax: Suffered a painful blow to the leg in training.

ATHLETIC’S preparations for tomorrow’s Coca-Cola League One fixture at Carlisle have been thrown into disarray by a spate of injuries.

Kelvin Lomax, Daniel Jones, Shane Supple and Ian Westlake are the latest casualties as manager Joe Royle looks as though he will need his whole squad for the double-header Easter programme.

Full-back Lomax is the biggest doubt with a dead leg and was in great pain walking after yesterday’s training session.

It was feared left-back Jones had broken a toe following a tackle in the same training stint, but X-rays have revealed no break. However, heavy bruising makes him a doubt.

Goalkeeper Supple has strained knee ligaments, but Athletic are confident he will have recovered by tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Athletic are continuing to monitor Westlake who is suffering from dizziness after he received a bang to his head during Saturday’s home defeat by Peterborough.

Royle has told young goalkeeper Josh Bell, a first-year professional, he will not be offered a new deal for next season.

The Athletic manager has already released Andy Liddell and allowed Lee Hughes to join Blackpool on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

“We are quietly preparing for next season and the house-keeping has started,” explained Royle.

Royle has paid tribute to Liddell, whose contract was terminated this week after four seasons at Boundary Park.

He said: “I wish I had worked with Andy 10 years ago as he was still the best technician here at the age of 35.

“I only wish I could have given him more games and I have told him I will gladly give him all the references he needs.”

Liddell has expressed a desire to continue playing.

Athletic have offered one-year professional contracts to four of their second-year scholars.

Striker Ryan Brooke, goalkeeper Josh Ollerenshaw, defender Liam Dawson and midfield player Chris Rowney have all been offered terms for the next season.

Striker Brooke has scored 20 goals in 28 appearances for the youth team and reserves, the 6ft 4in Ollerenshaw has played 25 games in goal, Dawson appeared in 21 games at left-back, centre half and midfield - scoring seven times - while Rowney, who plays centre midfield for the youth team and right-back for the reserves, has scored three times in 25 games.

Midfield player Nathan Kilcourse has been released.