Defence exposed admits Johnson

WANTED MAN . . . Adam Rooney, pictured winning the penalty which produced Athletic’s first goal, is hopeful of signing for the club before Saturday’s big kick-off.

ATHLETIC boss Lee Johnson admitted he is concerned about his side's defensive frailties ahead of the Sky Bet League One season's opening game at Stevenage on Saturday.

After their 3-2 victory over Huddersfield in Saturday’s final pre-season friendly, Johnson admitted: "We looked a little bit exposed aerially.”

“I think we are ready for the new season. Ideally we would have brought in one more player, but we haven't. I trust the group of players and I'm looking forward to it. I believe we can shake up the division a little bit and I believe we can score goals."

Johnson is hopeful he can sign Adam Rooney before the season starts: We're hopeful, certainly within the next week. We're still waiting for the league and the PFA and legal people. He's here, he wants to be here and we just hope we can get something sorted.

“The beauty of us at the moment is we are all in it together and the lads trust each other. The options I've got up front are almost embarrassing really. I'd play all five if I could.”

Johnson is hoping to bring in at least one more loan signing before the season starts.