Latics bite bullet over Morais redhead

ATHLETIC have confirmed they have not appealed against Filipe Morais' sending-off against Walsall.

The winger has picked up a three-match ban — not four, as originally thought, because a previous dismissal that occurred in the reserves this season is not taken into account — after being dismissed for a tackle on Jordan Cook in the 1-1 draw four days ago.

But despite feeling aggrieved at the decision of referee Darren Drysdale, manager Paul Dickov said the club's hands are tied.

"We feel it wasn't a sending-off and wanted to appeal, but couldn't because of the camera angle," Dickov said.

"The referee will say he has gone in at pace, recklessly and with the only angle we have got it looks that way.

"We all know from where we were that it was a foul. But it was touch-and-go whether it was a yellow card, never mind a red."

Tomorrow's line-up at the County Ground is likely to be determined at the last minute due to the current injuries and suspensions crisis.

Only 12 players were fully fit as yesterday's training session. Chris Taylor (hamstring) and Cedric Evina (ankle) could make the Swindon game, player-of-the-year Kieran Lee (hamstring), Ryan Brooke (ankle) and Oumare Tounkara (ankle) are all doubts, while captain Reuben Hazell (medial knee ligament) and Paul Black (abdomen) are out.

Kirk Millar is suspended along with Morais and that could lead Dickov to name himself as a substitute.

"We are down to the bare bones," said the manager. "We will assess the injured lads today. We don't want to push them so they miss most of the summer as well."