Worthington in surprise return

JON WORTHINGTON could be back in Athletic’s first team in as little as two weeks’ time.

The combative central midfielder made an unexpected return to action in yesterday’s behind-closed-doors friendly with Manchester United at Carrington.

The 26-year-old, out of action since leaving the field in agony in the home game against Southampton on October 17 of last year, has now recovered from an operation to repair damaged ankle ligaments and was set to begin full training with the rest of the squad this week.

But Worthington’s progress has been swift enough for the midfielder to be given the green light by medical staff to play in the first half-hour of yesterday’s friendly.

He will now be pencilled in to feature a couple of times in Lee Duxbury’s reserves side before once again being considered by first-team boss Dave Penney.

Athletic’s manager also witnessed Kelvin Lomax make a comeback and the full-back played for 45 minutes, as did striker Lewis Alessandra.

Kieran Lee returned following trouble with a hip muscle and Chris Rowney, who came on to replace Worthington, played again after recovering from an ankle ligament problem.

Others playing half a game were Paul Black, Danny Whitaker, Keigan Parker, Rene Steer, Ryan Brooke and Tom Eaves, with Alex Marrow, Joe Colbeck and triallist winger Simon Whaley playing in the full match.

Overall, it is clear that the injuries picture is now far rosier for Penney than it has been for months. The only players out long-term at present are full-back Andy Holdsworth, who is involved in rehabilitation sessions down at Lilleshall this week, and utility man Rob Purdie, who recently had further surgery in a bid to cure a long-standing hip problem. Neither player is expected to be fit again this season.


NORWICH City fans have been allocated the large section of the Leesfield Development stand for their team’s visit to Boundary Park on Saturday, February 27.

Any Athletic season ticket holders needing to relocate can now visit the ticket office to do so.