Timely boost for Latics as winger returns

Christian Montano

ATHLETIC were handed a timely boost when Cristian Montano returned to action following two months out injured.

The 21-year-old winger, snapped up from West Ham in July, hasn’t featured since New Year’s Day when he tore a thigh muscle in the 2-2 draw at Scunthorpe.

Up until then Montano had been a near ever-present in the side, making 28 appearances and scoring two goals.

Yesterday the Colombia-born ace played in Athletic reserves’ 4-3 Chapel Road defeat against Bury in the Central League, West Division.

Caretaker boss Tony Philliskirk was there to watch Montano play for 55 minutes. He didn’t score, but in the first half a superbly-struck shot brought a fine save out of Bury ’keeper Christian Dibble.

Philliskirk said: “Cristian was never going to play more than an hour, but I’m really pleased because he came through it fine.

“It’s a great boost for him and us as a team, but I still think he’ll need another two or three weeks’ training and maybe another couple of games.

“We put him in the centre of midfield, too, so he’s got plenty of work in running up and down, so it all looks promising moving forward.

“We’ll see how he reacts and what he’s like in training tomorrow, but I’m hoping that in another week or two he’ll be in a position to be considered again.

“Jordan Obita has signed on for another month on loan, and although we don’t really know what his situation will be after that, whatever happens it should feel like Cristian will be a new addition to the squad at a very crucial stage of the season.

“He can be so dynamic and direct. We all know what he’s capable of.”

Obita extended his Athletic stay from Reading until April 1 yesterday.

The reserves found themselves 4-1 behind before a late fightback fell just short.

Kirk Millar scored twice, including one from the penalty spot after Carlton McIntosh had been fouled. Daniel Taylor also netted.

Trialist wingers Sam Baffour and Cherno Mendy also featured.
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