Injured pair worry Latics

ATHLETIC are still seeking to get to the bottom of the injuries which are troubling wide players Chris Taylor and Deane Smalley.

Taylor is troubled by a groin strain which he sustained against Stockport when stretching for the ball.

The 22-year-old was passed fit to play in the Carling Cup tie at Carlisle, having been a major doubt.

But towards the end of the match Taylor felt discomfort and was substituted in stoppage time.

Manager Dave Penney revealed that the problem appears to flare up when the player tires towards the end of games.

In the case of Smalley, Athletic are waiting for the results of a specialist’s report into the cause of a back problem which has been affecting him for several weeks.

It has been a frustrating start to the season for Smalley, who had earlier been ruled out of pre-season for a fortnight with a groin strain.

No sooner had 20-year-old Smalley recovered from that problem than he was struck down with a back complaint.

Smalley has visited a specialist this week and Athletic are waiting to discover the extent of the injury.

Athletic, meanwhile, are preparing for back-to-back away matches at Leyton Orient and Millwall in the space of four days.

Alex Marrow refused permission by Blackburn Rovers to play in the Carling Cup, will return to the squad. The 19-year-old is likely to win a recall at right-back which would enable Andy Holdsworth to push forward into midfield.