Gilchrist hopes for return

LIAM Gilchrist is expected to be back in the running for an Oldham RL recall for the clash with Tony Benson’s Oxford at Whitebank.

One of five specialist props in Scott Naylor’s 22-man squad, Gilchrist has been out with a pulled calf muscle since March 24.

The 24-year-old front-row man has missed the first two championship one games and the Tetley’s Challenge Cup defeat at Hunslet.

“I think he’ll get the all-clear next week, which will give me a full squad to select from to play Oxford,” said Roughyeds’ coach Scott Naylor.

Vice-captain Sam Gee suffered a severely bruised shin at Hunslet, but Naylor revealed the injury had no bearing on his omission from the side. Gee missed the final 17 as a result of Naylor's squad rotation policy. Jamie Dallimore, Chris Tyrer and Danny Samuel were similarly left out in favour of Neil Roden, Steven Nield, Liam Thompson and Michael Ward.

Naylor has more options than he has had for weeks with Gilchrist hoping to hit the comeback trail against Oxford in 10 days.