Lee looking for a hero

KIRK MILLAR (right) impressed the manager after coming on as a substitute.

ATHLETIC are in a two-horse race to avoid relegation — and manager Lee Johnson is on the look-out for thoroughbreds within his squad.

An insipid first-half showing against Carlisle cost the team a chance to make headway in climbing out of danger.

Only the abject form of fourth-bottom drop rival Scunthorpe is currently coming to Athletic's aid.

The Iron, who lost 3-0 at Preston - Athletic's next destination, tomorrow night - are rated by bookmakers as 1-3 odds-on shots to be playing in npower League Two next season. Athletic are 3-1 against.

Johnson still has the benefit of two games in hand over Scunthorpe, starting tomorrow at Deepdale.

After the likes of Kirk Millar and David Mellor did well as substitutes in the 2-1 Boundary Park loss on Saturday — an 11th home defeat of the season, equalling the all-time club record — the rookie boss has some tough decisions to make over his team selection.

"You have to really weigh it up," Johnson said.

"Who was bright? Who was leggy? Whose mentally can't handle a run-in? Who will be better away from home?

"This is where I have to step up and earn my crust, to put a side out who will give their all."

Loan player Bobby Reid was bright and Millar, one of three half-time substitutes, also performed well to give Johnson food for thought.

“Bobby Reid did all right," added Johnson.

"He was probably one of our best players and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

"Kirk Millar I put up front, though I know he usually plays wide.

“He is a good, instinct player who can cause problems. He worked hard and showed a very good attitude."