Latics winger flying

ATHLETIC winger James Dayton has proved to be “very effective” in the last-half-a-dozen games.

ATHLETIC’S pacy wide-man James Dayton is now starting to truly fulfil his undoubted promise by adding goals to his all-round contribution.

Manager Lee Johnson secured something of a coup during the summer when he snapped up Dayton (24) on a free transfer from Scottish outfit Kilmarnock.

His form has gradually gained momentum as the season has progressed, and strikes at Bristol City earlier in the month and then a drilled finish in Tuesday’s 5-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win against Notts County means the former Crystal Palace prospect is up to three goals in 18 league and cup appearances.

A delighted Johnson has hailed Dayton’s recent impact, and is hoping there are plenty more goals to come.

The Athletic boss said: “The last five or six games I’ve been really pleased with James.

“His energy and his dynamism are great attributes to have, at any level.

“He likes to be dangerous and really get at people, and if you look at his goals and assists record now, it’s looking really well.

“We’ve done a bit of psychology work with James and I think that has helped a lot.

“He’s got to take that on, and he has been doing.

“James is being very effective, and that’s just how I knew he can be.

“I have been waiting for it, but it’s definitely been evident these last five or six games, so I’m really pleased.”

While the form of numerous Athletic forward players is catching the eye, Johnson is facing a clutch of new injury worries now that preparations begin for the club’s next game — Tuesday’s FA Cup first-round replay at Wolves.

Missing the midweek win against Notts County were midfielder James Wesolowski (hamstring) and defender David Mellor (sickness), while front-man Adam Rooney was still named among the substitutes despite sustaining a foot injury in training on Monday.

Loan full-back Joseph Mills won’t be allowed to play again by parent club Burnley, while Kirk Millar, Carl Winchester and Edijs Joksts are away on international duty.

On the plus side, right-back Connor Brown returned to action on Tuesday after more than two months out with a knee injury.

Johnson had been tentatively linked with a loan swoop for Manchester United’s impressive under-21 star centre-back Tom Thorpe, but the Athletic boss has dismissed that as a potential option going forward.

“I like Tom Thorpe, but certainly Manchester United wouldn’t let him out at the moment,” said Johnson.

“He’s a good centre-half, but I know for a fact he won’t be going anywhere.”

o TWO pages of Park Life inside.