Athletic await Gregan verdict

SEAN GREGAN: awaiting test results

ATHLETIC are still waiting for the results of a scan on Sean Gregan’s Achilles.

The experienced defender has emerged as an injury concern for the Boundary Park outfit.

Gregan felt discomfort in the area while out running only days before the start of pre-season training.

Although Athletic officials are confident that the 36-year-old should be fine — manager Paul Dickov described it as a “niggle” — they ordered a scan to be on the safe side.

He reported back for training on Monday with the rest of Dickov’s squad, but was restricted to light duties in the first session back from the summer break.

Gregan, who was Athletic’s stand-out player last season, has had an operation on his Achilles in the past.

Meanwhile, Dickov has revealed he will take a softly, softly approach for the first two warm-up games at Barrow on Saturday week and at home to Burnley two days later.

The Scot says no player will be involved for more than 45 minutes in the Barrow game as it will be only two weeks since the start of pre-season training.

The kick-off against Burnley on Monday, July 12, has been put back half-an-hour to 7.30pm at the request of the npower Championship outfit to allow more fans to come to the match.