Raring to go

James Wesolowski

JAMES Wesolowski is fit and ready to make a return for Athletic.

The 24-year-old Australian midfielder missed the last two games with a knee injury sustained at Carlisle.

But after confirming that he is back in full training today and ready to go on Twitter — “I’m available for selection” — the former Leicester City and Peterborough man now faces a battle to regain his place in the side.

Manager Paul Dickov named Wesolowski along with fellow central midfielders Dean Furman and Tom Adeyemi in 3-3 draws at Preston and at Brunton Park.

A five-man engine room was the order of the day on both those occasions and the freedom it afforded the Sydney-born player enabled him to get forward and net twice at Deepdale.

With npower League Two side Burton travelling to Boundary Park on Saturday, though, Dickov is likely to keep faith with a 4-4-2 formation, meaning a place on the bench for Wesolowski is the most likely option.

Robbie Simpson is again set to start up front alongside goal machine Shefki Kuqi in the FA Cup first-round tie.

Though the on-loan Huddersfield Town man has yet to find the target for Athletic, his form of late has been excellent and captain Dean Furman reckons it won’t be long before he starts a run of scoring form.

“One will go in for Robbie and he will then go on to score a bundle,” Furman said,

“He is such a good player. His ball retention is unbelievable, he has been brilliant in the air and he works really well up there with Shefki — while also having the ability to play out wide on the right.

“It is going to happen for him and I am confident he will get quite a few goals for us.”

CHESTERFIELD made it through to the Northern area semi-finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last night thanks to a 4-3 home win over Tranmere at the B2net Stadium.

Craig Westcarr struck a late winner for John Sheridan’s side, who qualify alongside Athletic, Preston and Bradford.

ATHLETIC fans will be accommodated in the large section of the Rochdale Road Stand for Saturday’s FA Cup tie, with visiting Burton fans seated in the small section.