Latics boss looks at strike pair

ATHLETIC are maintaining an interest in a pair of attack-minded trialists who have impressed in training.

But manager Lee Johnson has shut the door on a permanent return for Joseph Mills.

Blyth Spartans forward Dan Maguire is set to return to give Johnson a second look at his raw talent.

“He showed a little bit,” said Johnson on the 20-year-old plumber. “He retains a natural instinct.

“When we moved to a bigger pitch doing finishing drills he was very good, so we have invited him again.”

John-Paul Kissock, the Macclesfield man currently training with the Boundary Park club, is a player for whom the Athletic boss has a long-standing admiration.

“I’ve always liked him. Whether or not we can do something, I don’t know. He has good pedigree. But what is his best position? He is also small and we have plenty of those. He has got something, though, definitely.”

Johnson suggested there could be a couple of additions this week, after tonight’s Wolves test at Boundary Park.

A new forward to fill the gap left by Adam Rooney is the primary focus, with Johnson keen for a deal to be a building block for next season. A loan return for Mills has been ruled out, but Johnson would like to introduce players with a similar profile.

“A loan is only a short-term fix and we don’t need that right now,” Johnson said. “There are definitely maybe going to be a couple of ‘ins’ to help the group. We are a little short on experienced numbers.

“We want to set the tone for next season.”