Eaves back in frame

ATHLETIC may yet turn to striker Tom Eaves this weekend, writes MATTHEW CHAMBERS.

No bids have been accepted for the 18-year-old despite reported interest from Bolton, Burnley, Fulham and Blackpool.

Eaves was left unused on the bench for the Preston game at the weekend, having scored a midweek hat-trick against Bolton.

"There is no further progress," said chief executive Alan Hardy. "He is still with us and is available to play, depending on what the manager wants to do."

Ryan Brooke, who suffered an ankle injury in scoring the game's only goal against Preston at Boundary Park, is still waiting to find out the extent of the damage.

The affected area remains badly swollen and the young striker will have a scan only when the injury settles down.

Chris Taylor is not in contention for the first npower League One fixture of the season at Tranmere on Saturday as he is still hurt after over-stretching in training.