Only too glad to help out my mate Jonno

WEMBLEY remains a possibility after the lads dismantled Notts County in a goal frenzy to put us into the Northern area semi-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Having to watch from the stands and witness the free-flowing football and, more importantly, the chances we created was frustrating, as any striker would want to play in these types of games.

As a team, Athletic had some quality passages of play and the way the boys managed the match showed how mature this young group of players is becoming week by week.

ANALYSIS

As I was not available for this tie, the gaffer asked me to do some analysis on Jonson Clarke-Harris, to mark down his movements, which good clever runs he made and which poor runs he chose.

After observation, I took the opportunity at half-time with the manager's approval to give Jonno some feedback on his first 45 minutes and explained some points where he was excellent and others where he could improve.

He has some great attributes Ð he is always willing to learn and take advice to better himself.

I thought he had a fantastic second half, causing havoc which had a Notts County player sent off and having a part in James Dayton's goal, while the icing on the cake was getting himself on the score sheet.

One player I was particularly impressed with was Danny Philiskirk.

He shows footballing maturity beyond his years and was so unlucky not to claim the match ball (for a hat-trick) in the dying minutes.

His movement and awareness makes it easy for his own team-mates, but a nightmare for the opposition.

Danny seems to love this competition and was worthy of the man-of-the-match award.

Unfortunately, this weekend's league fixture against MK Dons has been postponed although I was delighted at the news as I would not have been able to make my comeback in time for the battle against another former employer.

A contest I had earmarked for my return from injury was always a push, but this gives me an extra window of rehabilitation to make sure I am 100 per cent ready.

We now look ahead to Tuesday's FA Cup replay against Wolves at Molineux Ð another massive task for the club Ð and the winners have been given a home tie against Mansfield in round two.

As I mentioned last week, every player wants to test himself against the big boys when they enter the fold in round three.

CHALLENGES

If we can overcome the challenge that presents itself on Tuesday then we will give ourselves a great chance as we will be favourites in the following round at Boundary Park where we are currently unbeaten in six matches.

Being a footballer, it is difficult to switch off away from the game, but on days off there are many lads who love to play golf.

I have never had the time to take this up as, with taking my degree and travelling backwards and forwards to London to see my children, there are, quite frankly, not enough hours in the day!Currently, the only time I get to relax is in the evenings.

After training I return home to delve into some study, then I wind down by watching box-set DVDs.

POPULAR

At the moment I am ploughing my way through the popular TV series, Breaking Bad, which is definitely worth a watch for those who haven't done so already.

I will end this week on a positive note.

Having stepped up my recovery programme, I am confident that, providing everything goes to plan, I will be back in training some time next week.