Oldham’s plans hit by injuries

OLDHAM may be forced to chop and change their line-up for the trip to face Doncaster on Sunday (3pm).

While Ben Wood is expected to shake off the effects of mild concussion and a gash to his chin which required seven stitches during the 18-16 loss away to Swinton last Friday, Matthew Fogarty's shoulder strain and a turned ankle by Liam Gilchrist are currently giving cause for concern.

In addition, Chris Clarke has ruptured a thumb tendon and was due to be checked by a specialist today.

On the plus side, there could be a welcome return for Marcus St Hilaire (hand) in the problematic backs division and Jason Boults (ankle) may be fine to take his place in the forwards pack.

Two players who definitely won't make it are winger John Gillam (foot), who is close to being thrown back into the action, and Tom Wood-Hulme.

The bustling prop forward has returned to training following an eight-week injury absence with a broken thumb, but has not yet been involved in ball work and as such is not ready for game-time.

The experienced pairing of Mark McCully and Bruce Johnson won't be ready for the Doncaster game, either.

Neither has played much this season and the duo instead built up their fitness with run-outs in the reserves’ 35-24 victory at Keighley last night (see Page 39).

Johnson in particular will be an important figure in the pack over the coming months.

Gilchrist is set to embark on a month-long Great Britain Students tour of Australia, while fellow front rower Luke Sutton is going on a more permanent trip Down Under as he plans to emigrate in August.