Chance to make an impact

ATHLETIC’S fringe players were back in action today as the reserves travelled to face Blackburn Rovers in the Lancashire Senior Cup (1pm kick-off).

The game, at Blackburn’s Brockhall training ground, provided a major opportunity for those not currently involved in the first-team to shine.

With Athletic captain Dean Furman in Poland for South Africa’s friendly double-header,

Youssouf Mchangama appears to be in prime position to take the spot against Sheffield on Saturday. But Carl Winchester — an unused substitute against Preston — David Mellor and Jose Baxter could all feasibly step in.

Winchester and Mellor were both likely to be involved today at Blackburn, as were winger Connor Hughes and striker Matt Smith, both left on the bench for the North End win.

The Blades, meanwhile, are expecting that key defender Neil Collins will be back to face Athletic on Saturday.