Midfielder in running for captain role

Photo: Picture: ANTHONY MILLER

LEADER OF THE PACK: Korey Smith was captain in last night’s warm-up game against Curzon.

KOREY Smith is a leading contender to be Athletic’s captain next season.

The former Norwich City midfield man (22), snapped up on a free transfer after an impressive loan stint last term, took up the skipper’s armband for last night’s victory at Curzon Ashton - despite the presence of James Wesolowski and Cliff Byrne in the starting line-up.

Manager Lee Johnson said he hasn’t made a decision yet on the captaincy, but as a former League One winner during his seven years with the Canaries, Smith’s know-how and communication skills mark him out.

“Korey is certainly up there in the running. He is someone who has won this division, he is a good talker and someone the lads and the fans respect. I respect him. He is one of four or five who are options for captain.”

The two trialists in action as subs last night were Matteo Piccolo, who turned out on the left wing and struck the crossbar with a fierce drive; and up-front an unnamed striker, who was direct in his approach and struck one shot a couple of feet wide.

Those two, plus the rest of the players who didn’t feature last night, will get a run-out in today’s friendly with Burnley’s development squad at Chapel Road.

“Technically I am not sure if they are at the right level, but Piccolo is a good runner and has some spark in him,” said Johnson of the pair.

Supporters had their first glimpse of striker Adam Rooney last night as he emerged off the bench. Johnson hopes to sign him once legal wrangling over his Swindonc contract ends.

“He is dangerous,” Johnson added. “He plays the right ball at the right time, he has a good spring and he is mobile. I like the flashes of what he showed out there.”