Double boost for Latics boss

PAUL Dickov’s strike options have been given a shot in the arm with both Lewis Alessandra and Ryan Brooke on the comeback trail.

Alessandra, who performed impressively on the left wing in the first three matches of the season before being struck down with a tear in a calf muscle, is the nearest of the duo to full fitness.

The 21-year-old — who played only once for Athletic last season, before being sent out on loan to Chester City where he suffered a serious ankle injury — resumes full training next week and will target a place on the bench for the home clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, September 18.

As for Brooke, the prognosis is far more positive than it was a few weeks ago.

The 19-year-old striker was all-set to be handed a first-team chance under new boss Dickov until he sustained an ankle ligaments injury in the final match of pre-season against Preston.

An injection has helped settle down the problem without the need for surgery, easing fears that he could potentially be missing until the New Year.

Brooke is now back running and in the gym and could be set for a reserves run-out in the coming weeks, though the club don’t want to rush him back too soon.

Athletic’s second string saw off Wrexham 4-0 in the totesport.com League last night.

French triallist Julian Cherel scored with a first-half header and Athletic added three more goals after the break.

Winger Paris Cowan-Hall, also on trial at the club, set up Andrew Crompton and left-back Rod McDonald. Jon Worthington also registered for Lee Duxbury’s men in a game that saw captain Sean Gregan get a run-out.