Tounkara fitness battle for Latics

PHYSICAL PRESENCE . . . Oumare Tounkara puts himself about during Athletic’s game at Tranmere.

OUMARE Tounkara faces a late fitness check as Athletic boss Paul Dickov considers his striking options for his side’s first home game of the season against Notts County tomorrow (3pm).

Tounkara, who impressed on his debut for Athletic in last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Tranmere, missed Tuesday’s 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at Scunthorpe with a hamstring strain.

But with Warren Feeney back from international duty, Djeny Bembo-Leta full of confidence after scoring on his debut at Scunthore and Dean Kelly also looking to keep his place up front, there is plenty of competition for places.

Said Dickov: “The door is always open. I have said all along that it doesn't matter how old, how young, how experienced or inexperienced they are, if they are in the team and doing well they will stay in the team.

"Dean and Djeny both worked ever so hard (at Scunthorpe) and Djeny also got his goal. It causes problems for me, but they are good problems to have."

ATHLETIC (from) Brill, Lee, M’voto, Jarrett, Black, Jones, Stephens, Furman, Alessandra, Kelly, Bembo-Leta, Ollerenshaw, Gregan, Taylor, Holdsworth, Millar, Hazell, Tounkara, Feeney.

Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson will make his League debut for Notts County in place of injured first-choice stopper Rob Burch, who is facing a few weeks on the sidelines with a bruised toe.

Striker Luke Rodgers is still recovering his fitness after an operation on an ankle injury.

But John Spicer is in contention to make his full League debut after scoring his first goal for the club in their 1-0 win at Plymouth Argyle in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Lee Hughes, who spent two seasons at Athletic, is likely to lead the attack after being rested on Tuesday night.