Brown on the brink

Connor Brown

CONNOR Brown could make his first starting appearance for Athletic in nearly three months at Molineux tomorrow.

The right-back, out with a knee injury which required surgery, took to the field for the final 18 minutes of Athletic’s 5-1 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory against Notts County last week.

Brown also made a special appearance for the first 45 minutes in a friendly for Athletic’s under-18s against Chester on Saturday at Chapel Road as he stepped up his bid for a place in the starting XI for the FA Cup first-round replay at Sky Bet League One table-toppers Wolves.

Jonathan Grounds serves a one-match ban for picking up five yellow cards, meaning Genseric Kusunga is likely to move across to partner James Tarkowski in the middle of defence.

Joseph Mills is ineligible, but a number of players may be able to play some part in the contest after injury.

David Mellor (illness) is set to replace Mills at left-back after missing last week’s contest, striker Charlie MacDonald (ankle) is a 50-50 chance to feature, Matteo Lanzoni (hamstring) could take a spot on the bench, Adam Rooney’s bone bruising in his foot has healed well and he should be passed fit, and the same is true for James Wesolowski (hamstring).

Athletic manager Lee Johnson, who had his squad in for training on Sunday, was spending today pondering his line-up as he attempts to plot a course to face Mansfield at home in the second round.

One matter he is already certain on is the impact that a loud travelling army of supporters can have at Molineux.

“They’ve been brilliant this season, the away support particularly,” Johnson said of Athletic’s fans.

“We had a great following down at Molineux in the league game recently, so I’m hoping quite a number will make the trip again.

“The players are trying to play a certain way and I think our fans can see what we're trying to do.

“They’ve responded brilliantly ever since I came here and we certainly need that support to carry on.

“The players do appreciate the following at these big away games, and a big noise from our fans tomorrow will certainly give us all a lift.”

Wolves have a host of selection issues, with outstanding on-loan winger James Henry a doubt after picking up a groin injury during the 1-0 win at Notts County on Saturday.

Striker Kevin Doyle is unavailable due to international duties, as are right-back Matt Doherty, reserve goalkeeper Aaron McCarey and young winger Anthony Forde.

On-loan midfield man Michael Jacobs and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey are ineligible, and Jack Price missed the Mewdow Lane clash on Saturday through illness.

For Athletic, Jordan Bove begins a three-match suspension following his red card last week.

Jonson Clarke-Harris and Cristian Montano are both currently on four yellow cards, one caution away from invoking a one-game ban.

Edijs Joksts was an unused substitute for Latvia under-21s, who won 2-0 in Liechtenstein.

In tonight’s sole League One fixture, Walsall are at home to Peterborough.