Latics wait for Diallo verdict

ATHLETIC will examine the condition of Bradley Diallo today, to determine just how long the left-back will be absent.

The 21-year-old former Marseille man pulled up in the opening minutes of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win at Scunthorpe on Tuesday and was replaced only six minutes in.

A hamstring problem was to blame, which led to the early introduction of David Mellor.

The 18-year-old acquitted himself well and with Paul Black only just having restarted full training, Mellor may have to take on the same role from the start against MK Dons on Monday night at Boundary Park.

“It’s his hamstring and we don’t know how bad yet,” said Dickov on his French full-back.

“It happened in the first minute.

“He played the game on Saturday (at Exeter) and had a long journey back after not playing a lot recently.

“We are hopeful he hasn’t torn it.”

Robbie Simpson missed the Scunthorpe game with a tight hamstring and in his place came Filipe Morais, making a first start since August.

The winger, who lasted 70 minutes on his return to the starting line-up, before sitting out the rest of the game.

Brentford won 3-0 at Charlton and Crewe beat Macclesfield 1-0 at home in last night’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy second-round ties.

Athletic will face one of Crewe, Bradford, Preston, Chesterfield, Rochdale, Sheffield United and Accrington or Tranmere in the northern section quarter-finals, with the draw to be made live on Sky Sports on Saturday morning.


ATHLETIC fans will be accommodated in the Main Stand and the Detect All Chaddy End for the MK Dons game at Boundary Park on Monday (7.45pm kick-off).
The small section of the Leesfield Developments Rochdale Road Stand will be populated by visiting supporters, with the rest of the stand closed on the night.


THE ‘pie and a pint’ deal will be on offer to Athletic fans again for the MK Dons fixture.
For £30, fans can enjoy refreshments in the executive box and the cost for season ticket holders is £10. Book on 0161 7855150.