Taylor set to boost Latics

ATHLETIC manager Dave Penney has ruled out further forays into the transfer market in the immediate future to try to improve his side’s fortunes.

The window reopened this week for emergency loans but Penney, whose side has won only one of its first eight competitive matches, explained that he is not actively looking for new players.

“We won’t be doing any business at this moment in time. We are concentrating on getting all our players fit and working with the ones we have,” said Penney.

Athletic have been dealt two contrasting hands on the injury front for tomorrow’s Coca-Cola League One fixture at Bristol Rovers.

Jon Worthington is ruled out through injury, but his absence is tempered by the return of Chris Taylor.

Combative midfield-player Worthington has failed to recover from the injury he sustained last Friday night against Hartlepool United.

Worthington was then returning after a two-match lay-off with an ankle problem and the former Huddersfield player has had the misfortune of sustaining three blows on the same joint in quick succession.

Athletic are now waiting for the result of hospital scans on the midfield man.

Winger Taylor, meanwhile, has made a speedier recovery than expected from the pelvic problem which has kept him out of the last three matches.

Penney is delighted to have Taylor back as he will provide the width which has been lacking in attack.

“Chris has been carrying niggles and has not been 100-per-cent all season, but hopefully he will be back, though I don’t expect him to last 90 minutes,” explained Penney.

Young striker Ryan Brooke, who would probably have been a substitute, will also be missing due to an ankle injury.

Penney believes playing away may suit his side better as they have collected more points on their travels than at Boundary Park, where they have not won since February 14.

“Perhaps they can go out and enjoy themselves with a little bit of pressure off than having to get a result at home. Anything you collect away is a bonus,” Penney continued.

ATHLETIC (probable squad): Brill, Holdsworth, Sheehan, Hazell, Gregan, Colbeck, Marrow, Furman, Whitaker, Taylor, Parker, Abbott, Blackman, Lomax, Lee, Ollerenshaw, Bembo-Leta, Kalnoki-Kis.

BRISTOL R (probable): Andersen, Regan, Coles, Anthony, Lescott, Wright, Campbell, Lines, Hughes, Duffy, Kuffour.