On-loan Villa ace likely to go

UNLIKELY TO BE BACK: Daniel Johnson is said to be looking for a bigger club after his Oldham loan

DANIEL Johnson isn’t expected back at Athletic following the end of his loan period.

The Aston Villa player’s agent says his client is hoping to move up the league to a bigger club.

But while it’s a blow to lose a player rich in talent, it leaves room within the playing budget for an able replacement.

“I half expected it,” Athletic’s manager told the Chronicle. “Sometimes you get a sense of what the agent wants and it is not necessarily the same as what you believe the player may want.

“I am fine with it, though. I’d like to have signed him, but it would have taken him up to the level of our top earners, so we have scope to look elsewhere.”

Loan goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has officially returned to Bolton, and midfield man Michael Tidser is back at Rotherham.

Tom Youngs, the Bolton youngster effectively on trial, didn't work out and has also left the club.

Jabo Ibehre continues to train with Athletic and will play the final game of his current loan against Doncaster at home on Saturday. His remaining in Oldham will depend on his parent club, Colchester.



There is a big boost for manager Johnson ahead of the Rovers clash with the news that much-missed captain Liam Kelly suffered no ill-effects after taking part in a full training session yesterday.

He is in line to take up the role occupied by Tidser in front of the defence.


RIGHT-BACK Connor Brown has returned to Athletic after his loan to Carlisle. Brown (23) spent two months at Brunton Park and played nine times, including in the 2-1 weekend defeat at Newport County.