Allen fitness boost for coach Benson

OLDHAM believe that David Allen could be back to full fitness in a matter of days.

The former Wigan and Widnes loose forward, who has shown tantalising glimpses of his massive potential in the pre-season matches so far, hurt himself in the early stages of the Barrow defeat at the weekend.

After charging down a kick, the 23-year-old grimaced in chasing down the rebounding ball and eventually fell in a heap in the in-goal area before being helped from the pitch.

The injury was first diagnosed as a groin problem, which could have kept Allen out for a month, as opposed to the slight back strain which is now thought to have caused his discomfort.

“We are now thinking it is his back, which means he could be back in a week,” said coach Tony Benson, of a player looking to rebuild his career with the Roughyeds following two years out of the game due to a drugs ban.

The Roughyeds squad convenes for a ball session tonight, weather permitting, ahead of the first Northern Rail Cup game of the season against the newly-formed Rochdale Hornets club at Boundary Park on Sunday.

Oldham’s new vice-captain Paul Highton should be involved in that game, having missed the three friendly clashes so far while recovering from post-season wrist surgery.

“While he hasn’t been playing, the type of training we have been doing is pretty similar to an in-game situation so it shouldn’t be a problem,” Benson added.

“His leading-from-the-front will be great for us as an addition to the players who have all stood up for us so far.”




SEASON tickets are now available for collection from the club offices on Lansdowne Road.



They can be picked up from there up until 5pm on Friday, or at Boundary Park from 12.30pm on Sunday up until the kick-off of the Rochdale game. Receipts must be produced.