Praise for slimline Croft

REVITALISED Lee Croft has been reaping the rewards for losing weight says Paul Gerrard

Stand-in manager Tony Philliskirk’s assistant says Croft has come to the fore in victories over MK Dons in the league and the Everton cup-tie.

And it’s because Croft has been losing weight!

"Everyone knows Crofty was carrying a bit too much weight," said Gerrard. "He has worked hard in training and is eating and looking after himself a bit better. His weight has come down by six or seven kilos."

Meanwhile, Philliskirk said Athletic's players have stood tall behind the scenes.

"We have given them ownership, they have responded to it and some leaders have emerged in the dressing room," he added.

Cliff Byrne, who has been assisting the coaches in training, may come back into the starting XI tonight.

Some players may be rested – including Jose Baxter – while others who could start include Matt Smith, captain Dean Furman and Robbie Simpson.