Robbie’s return boosts Latics

Robbie Simpson

ROBBIE Simpson expects to be passed fit to help solve his manager’s midfield selection poser at Bournemouth — despite hardly being able to walk just over a week ago.

The 27-year-old scored a late consolation goal for Athletic in the Bury defeat last Tuesday.

But after suffering severely the following day, Simpson decided to take time out of the home game against Tranmere to solve the problem which has been plaguing him.

With engine room duo Dean Furman and James Wesolowski forced to miss Saturday’s difficult clash at the Goldsands Stadium through suspension, Simpson is expected to reprise his central midfield role.

“I had a scan on my groin and it showed there was no tear, which is really good,” Simpson said.

“The problem lies where the groin and abductor muscles attach to the pelvis.

“The decision was made rather than to carry on through, to give it a rest for a full 10 days to get back towards 100-per-cent fitness.

“I felt very restricted against Bury and on Wednesday last week really struggled the next day.

“So I am resting it, taking anti-inflammatories and putting ice on it every day.”

Simpson says he remains “a little uncomfortable” but with two full days to go between now and the game, should line up alongside Youssouf Mchangama against Eddie Howe's in-form team as Athletic bid to arrest a run of one win in five matches.

DEAN Furman played 80 minutes for South Africa last night in a 1-0 home loss to Zambia at Soccer City, Johannesburg.

solid

Athletic’s captain put in a solid showing in the Nelson Mandela Challenge game, which was settled by a cracking Collins Mbesuma goal in the second half.

The result represents a setback for Bafana Bafana amid preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil early next year.

Furman arrives home tomorrow, but is suspended for Athletic’s game at Bournemouth game on Saturday.

TOMOS Clarke finished on the losing side for Wales under-17s yesterday.

Teenage centre-back Clarke had already opened the scoring in the 16th minute against Estonia before the original game was abandoned last week after 26 minutes.

But three unanswered goals as the remainder of the contest was played out gave Estonia a 3-1 victory in the UEFA qualifier.