Coach jumping for Joy

OLDHAM’S rookie prop Phil Joy could become one of the best front-row forwards in Championship One says coach Scott Naylor.

Joy spent two years in Oldham’s reserve team after his early grounding in the junior section at Waterhead.

He stepped up from the second team this year with Danny Langtree, Kenny Hughes and Steven Nield, who have all made their mark.

Contracted for the first time, Joy began the season low in the forwards’ pecking order, but earned the right to become a starting prop in each of the last three games.

Naylor said: “He is making outstanding progress; his development is well ahead of realistic expectations..

“I regard him now as one of my front-line props and that’s remarkable considering where he was at the start of the year.

“If he continues to work as hard as he has it isn’t overstating his case to say he could become one of the top props in the division.”

Naylor also lauded Michael Ward’s progress

“Though different in stature they have a few things in common — they are big, strong lads who are all hustle and bustle and very awkward to tackle.

“I expect big things from both of them over the remainder of this season.”

Naylor’s line-up for Sunday’s home game against London Skolars (3pm kick off) is unlikely to show much change from the Gateshead game — though will featurea a replacement for Danny Whitmore, whose loan period has ended prematurely because of injury.