Holden looking to plug defensive gap

BEST OF ENEMIES: former colleagues Dean Holden (right) and Lee Johnson look on from the touchline on Saturday.

CARETAKER manager Dean Holden is trying to bring in a new loan centre-back ahead of the home clash with MK Dons tomorrow.

Adam Lockwood serves a one-match ban following his dismissal late on in the Barnsley defeat and with only Timothee Dieng left as a natural replacement with both George Elokobi and James Wilson injured, Holden wants a new man in to fill the gap.

Athletic currently have five loan players — Mat Sadler and Luke Woodland both signed emergency loans on Friday and played against Barnsley — with only five able to feature in any matchday squad.

“We will have to look at that and spend another couple of days on the phone,” said Holden, whose side remain 15th in Sky Bet League One after five losses in six matches.

“If we don’t get anyone in, then we will see who we have got in the squad who can fit in there.”

Karl Robinson’s side are fourth in the table and drew 1-1 at Walsall on Saturday.