Options for Trophy test

TONIGHT’S Johnstone’s Paints Trophy Northern Section first-round clash at League One rivals Shrewsbury offers Athletic the chance to quickly shake off the weekend’s controversial last-minute defeat by Tranmere.

And, revealed Athletic’s assistant boss Paul Murray, changes to the starting line-up appear very much on the cards for the trip to Greenhous Meadow.

Murray said: “This game does give us a good opportunity to put a few things right after Saturday, and I’m sure there will be changes.

“Certainly all the players who were on the bench on Saturday have been magnificent in training and recently with the reserves, so any one of those guys could be picked tonight.

“Some of Saturday’s subs will probably feel they should be starting anyway, but at least it’s interesting for everyone that we’ve got good choices.

“We have got a fantastic squad at the club now.

“The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy offers a great chance to get to Wembley, and of course we’ll be taking it seriously.”

Right-back Connor Brown needs surgery later this week on a knee injury so is definitely out tonight, while front men Charlie MacDonald and Jonson Clarke-Harris face fitness tests.

However, defender Carl Winchester is fully fit again and available for the match which kicks off at 7.30pm.