Johnson backs link with big team

AFTER being left out against Wolves in midweek, Kirk Millar is in line for a recall for tomorrow’s home match against Swindon.

BOUNDARY Park is the perfect place for a finishing school for top Premier League talent, says Lee Johnson.

The Athletic manager’s recent stamp of approval from Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers could signal the arrival of fresh Anfield talent at Athletic in the future.

Tomorrow’s opponents Swindon have forged a link with Tottenham - which currently sees three players at the County Ground for first-team experience. The Robins’ approach is one Johnson has examined with interest.

“Swindon have done it quite well without losing their identity,” said the Athletic manager, who goes into tomorrow’s clash looking for back-to-back home wins.

“I am not talking about feeder clubs, but rather a link with a club, if the players are good enough, to loan two or three at once.

“If I was a Premier League manager, I would want a link with Oldham due to our style of football, the tradition of the club and the ambition of getting into the Championship.”



Johnson insists he doesn’t feel aggrieved by criticism from fans over a “negative” approach at Wolves in midweek. He hinted at a return to the team for Adam Rooney and Kirk Millar - both of whom missed out at Molineux.

“It is a good little problem for me to have. I thought we did all right at Wolves. It is no disgrace going there with their level of quality.

“It was always going to happen if we conceded. I knew that going into the game and you could say it was a brave call or the wrong call.

“We can talk until we are blue in the face about others,” he said. “But we have to be positive and dynamic on the pitch, put their players under pressure and get the best out of ourselves.”

Joseph Mills is described as being “50-50” for the game and has returned to Burnley for treatment on his hamstring injury.