Latics on their guard

A REPLACEMENT could be sought for suspended winger Cristian Montano . . . but for tonight Athletic must ignore the furore and remain positive.

Manager Lee Johnson was disappointed by the nature of the 1-1 home draw with Mansfield in the FA Cup on Saturday, followed by the stinging national headlines concerning Montano the following day.

After reflection and a team call to arms at Boundary Park yesterday, he issued a rallying call to the team.

“It’s a tough game for us,” said Johnson, “but we are at home where we are unbeaten in eight.

“Though we didn’t play well against Mansfield, we are on a run of decent form and are certainly looking hard to beat. We go into the game with confidence and feeling strong.

James Dayton is nursing a slight knock and without Montano to call on — he’s injured anyway - Johnson may look at the free transfer market to get through Christmas.

“We will have to see how Dayton is,” said Johnson, “but with a period of six or seven games going up to January we may look to get someone in.”

Chesterfield head for Boundary Park tonight smarting from their second-round FA Cup exit on Saturday.

The Spireites, second in Sky Bet League Two under the control of boss Paul Cook, have failed to win their last three games.