All eyes on Reid return

reserves run-out . . . Reuben Reid returns from injury tonight.

REUBEN Reid hits the comeback trail tonight when Athletic reserves travel to Burnley in the Central League West Division (7pm kick-off).

The five-goal forward has not made a first team appearance in four months.

He sustained a serious thigh injury in the home victory over MK Dons in October and recently suffered a setback in his recovery.

But reserves boss Lee Duxbury is sure to hand Reid vital match time tonight in a bid to give him a chance of being ready for the senior side’s home clash with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

With Shefki Kuqi seriously out of goalscoring form, a fit and firing Reid would give Athletic manager Paul Dickov food for thought.

The Scot is almost certain to ring the changes anyway in response to the 5-0 drubbing at MK Dons last time out.

Josh Parker, Matt Smith, David Mellor, Carl Winchester and Kirk Millar are also included in tonight’s travelling party.

Athletic currently prop up the Central League West Division table, while three points for the Clarets would see them go top.

Athletic: Bouzanis, Fitzgerald, Mellor, Burns, Carr, Parker, Millar, Winchester, Reid, Smith, Parker. Subs: Hughes, L Simpson, Jones, Laird, Cooper, Riley.

Meanwhile, Athletic chief executive Neil Joy was relieved to see Simon Grayson appointed as Huddersfield Town’s new manager, following a flurry of weekend bets backing Dickov for the job.

At one point on Saturday Dickov was the favourite to succeed Lee Clark at the Galpharm Stadium, but ex-Leeds boss Grayson penned a three-year deal yesterday.

Joy said: “Luckily for us Simon Grayson accepted the Huddersfield job, although we were never approached regarding Paul Dickov.

“Our manager is hot property. Paul is young, talented and doing a good job here.”

Joy predicted a much-improved performance against Tranmere and hopes the fans continue to show their support at Boundary Park.

He added: “Every time Paul has demanded a positive reaction from his squad he has got one, so hopefully we will see that again this weekend.

“I would like to think the supporters will come along and back us, and that we can repay them with a winning performance.”