Johnson weighs up loan options

WILL HE OR WON’T HE? . . . Joseph Mills is a player Athletic boss Lee Johnson would like to bring in on loan again, but Football League restrictions are clouding the issue.

WHEELING and dealing is the task facing Athletic manager Lee Johnson as he presides over a fully-fit playing staff.

Back-up goalkeeper Paul Rachubka’s contract runs out this week but he is expected to sign an extension, while striker Charlie MacDonald is in line for a place on the subs’ bench against Stevenage on Saturday after recovering from a torn thigh muscle.

Cliff Byrne is training with Athletic after his loan at Scunthorpe ended. He will not be returning to the League Two club. Johnson’s hope is that the 31 year old can find a different club.

“He is part of the group, though I don’t see him getting too many games for us,” Johnson said.

“Cliff is a good professional and it is probably best for him to move on.”

The future of winger Sidney Schmeltz also remains in doubt. The Dutch player didn’t feature at Anfield at the weekend due to illness. Johnson had suggested it might be better for him to move on, but Schmeltz decided he wanted to stay and battle for a place in the Latics squad.

Ellis Plummer has returned to Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad after an unsuccessful loan, and with midfield man Wade Joyce released without making a first-team appearance, their spots have been filled by the arrival of Gary Harkins of St Mirren and Rotherham’s David Worrall.

Harkins played as a sub at Anfield, but Worrall’s debut is likely against Stevenage on Saturday.

Further new signings could be forthcoming; one player Johnson would like to acquire is Burnley left-back Joseph Mills, though he admitted the picture is clouded by league regulations that insist on no more than five loan players in any match-day squad.



CRISTIAN Montano’s appeal against his dismissal by Athletic for gross misconduct will take place on Thursday, January 23, the club has announced.