Tiredness is all in the mind, says Weso

ACTION MAN: Professional footballers should be able to play three games in a week - Wesolowski.

FATIGUE at this time of year is a mental issue, according to Athletic's tireless midfield man James Wesolowski.

The club faces three matches in seven days — but that holds no fear for the 25 year old from Sydney, whose energy came to the fore during the loss to Doncaster on Boxing Day.

Wesolowski will be raring to go again tomorrow, when Athletic face Crewe at Boundary Park.

"The only time you actually are tired is when you tell yourself you are tired," said the former Leicester player.

"If you just get on with it, to be honest you don't think about it.

"Being professional footballers, we should be built to be able to play three games in a week.

"Personally, I feel fine playing these games in the Christmas period and don't feel I get heavy-legged."

Athletic's poor form of late has dragged the team down to 17th place in the table.

But the vice-captain believes that if the side can come close to recreating the play which brought about the 2-0 win at Gresty Road in early October — the finest display of the season to date — then the trend which started with a loss at home to Swindon, continuing with reverses at Yeovil and against Rovers, can grind to a halt.

Athletic are crying out for a goal threat from midfield at present and Wesolowski — whose last strike was at Southend in the FA Cup last season, hopes he can contribute.

"I am playing in a different role, a bit more defensive. But I want to get forward and get goals, because it is important that me and Dean Furman help out.”