Gregan on Latics stand-by

Photo: Press Association

SEAN GREGAN . . . pushing for a first-team recall.

SEAN Gregan could be in line for a dramatic return to the Athletic side tomorrow.

The 36-year-old has not played a single minute of first-team action for new manager Paul Dickov this season and has spent the last few weeks working on his general fitness.

But the captain, who played the whole of every game for the team in an outstanding personal campaign in 2009-10, is likely to be called upon should Reuben Hazell not recover from a thigh strain in time for trip to Peterborough.

Gregan was an unused substitute last week and played a full game for the reserves at Wrexham on Wednesday night.

“His attitude over the last three weeks, with the work he has been doing to get him up to speed, has been fantastic,” said Athletic boss Paul Dickov of his captain.

“He has worked ever so hard and will be better for getting 90 minutes under his belt.

“He didn’t really get tested — it was a young Wrexham team who played with one up front — but it was good to see him back out there, because Sean will have a big part to play for us this year.”

Jean-Yves Mvoto had a difficult game against Bristol Rovers and is the man who is likely to make way at London Road, with either Hazell — if fit — or Gregan stepping into the breach.

“Reuben has been fantastic for us since we came here. He is a leader on and off the pitch,” Dickov added.

“No disrespect to anybody else, but we have missed him in lots of ways.

“It is important we try to get him fit, but it is also important to get him right.”

Hazell spent yesterday working with club physio Marc Czuczman and was due to train today in order to see if he suffers any adverse reaction.

Ritchie Jones, who has missed two matches with a tight hamstring, is likely to return on the right of midfield while Warren Feeney will probably partner Oumare Tounkara up front.

Dickov missed out on claiming the npower League One manager of the month award for August, which went to Sheffield Wednesday boss Alan Irvine.

Wednesday midfielder Giles Coke was handed the player of the month award ahead of Athletic’s Dean Furman.