Gilchrist close to fitness

LIAM Gilchrist, out for five weeks with a calf injury, is winning his fight for fitness in the build-up to Oldham RL Club’s intriguing clash with Tony Benson’s Oxford at Whitebank on Sunday (3pm).

After spending three weeks on a special rehabilitation programme, the 24-year-old prop forward came through a tough fitness test last night with physiotherapist Patrick Hoyte.

Coach Scott Naylor said: “If he suffers no reaction he will train with the squad on Thursday and be considered with everybody else. He is the only doubt. Everybody else is fit and raring to go.”

Gilchrist has missed three games since being injured in the 24-12 Northern Rail Cup win against South Wales Scorpions on March 24.

If he gets the thumbs-up, the former St Helens youngster will add to Naylor’s front-row selection headache, which has half a dozen players chasing four spots.

Though satisfied with Jason Boults, Callum Marriott, Phil Joy and Michael Ward in the 36-0 win over Gloucester All Golds last time out, his rotation policy means Chris Tyrer and Gilchrist could also be in the mix.

Benson, meanwhile, has several players under treatment, including Martin Roden, Lucas Onyango, Chris Clarke and Brett Robinson.