Latics seek Connor cover

FITNESS BATTLE . . . Connor Brown is doubtful for the Tranmere game with a knee injury.

CONNOR Brown is a toss-up to be fit for Saturday’s visit of Tranmere Rovers — but there is better news on another man earmarked as right-back cover.

Brown (21) took a knock during the victory over Port Vale; the extent of the damage isn’t yet clear.

The former Sheffield United man, who has grown in confidence to become manager Lee Johnson’s first choice on the right of defence, may have suffered some cartilage damage and will have a scan.

If Brown isn’t fit enough to play this weekend, Johnson might head into the loan market for a replacement ahead of Monday’s closure of the transfer window.

“We may need cover,” said Johnson. “We are sowing the seeds at the moment in case we need to bring someone in.”

Meanwhile Carl Winchester is back in full training and could at a push make the bench for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first-round game at Shrewsbury next Tuesday.

Winchester (20) has recovered from a knee injury suffered when playing for Northern Ireland’s under-21s at the end of last season.

His task now is to impress Johnson — though the manager has already stated his belief in the player’s potential to be a “top-class right-back”.