Farewell, Wilko – for now

STRIKER Conor Wilkinson will head back to parent club Bolton after tomorrow’s clash, with Athletic boss Lee Johnson hoping he hasn’t seen the last of the young Irishman.

Wilkinson’s one-month loan expires after the home game against Walsall, and he has left an impression on Johnson.

“We’re grateful to Bolton for letting us take Conor. He’s done great for us. He’s a good lad and I’ve enjoyed working with him,” the manager said.

“I was thinking they would call him back because their new manager is going to want to assess everybody. Hopefully he’ll go back to Bolton and play games, but if not we’ll be at their door asking if we can have him back.”