Johnson to boost latics squad

Lee Johnson

ATHLETIC were expecting to complete the signing of former Barcelona youth player Federico Bessone this afternoon, on the day the loan window slams shut for the season.

Manager Lee Johnson is awaiting the arrival of the Argentine left-back, a free agent whose former clubs include Barcelona 'C', Espanyol 'B', Swansea, Leeds and Swindon, who he will add to the existing squad in order to provide cover for first-choice Jonathan Grounds.

And there could also be another man in — and one out — on loan before the deadline strikes at 5pm.

Johnson sees left-back as a weak spot should Grounds sustain an injury or a suspension, with no natural replacement within the existing squad. Bessone, whose last action was for tomorrow's opponents Swindon under Paolo Di Canio earlier this season, will be out to impress to gain a permanent deal beyond the end of the current campaign.

Aside from that, and a possible move for one of Athletic’s fringe players which would leave room for another arrival, the manager will run with what he has for the remainder of the 2012-13 campaign.

Bobby Reid’s arrival from Bristol City earlier this week — see Pages 34-35 — appears to have provided the added attacking option from deep that was sought ahead of the final nine games of the season.

Athletic already have five spots in the squad filled by loan players.

Reid, Lee Barnard and Chris Iwelumo are with the club until the end of the season while Korey Smith and Jordan Obita are currently on emergency one-month loans.

With Robbie Simpson starting and scoring on the left side of attack last time out against Hartlepool, it may be that Obita’s time at the club will soon draw to a close.

The Reading winger, a goal scorer in the FA Cup home draw with Everton, has struggled for form lately.

And with left-sided forward Cristian Montano close to regaining full fitness, Obita’s loan at Boundary Park might not stretch to a third month when his current spell expires after the Colchester home game on Easter Monday.

Striker Matt Smith, meanwhile, should be fit once again to challenge for a place in both Easter fixtures.

The striker had been suffering from a knee injury sustained in the 1-0 defeat at Tranmere three weeks ago.

The postponed game at Shrewsbury came too soon for the 23-year-old FA Cup hero, but he may make it onto the bench for the game at Swindon tomorrow.