Latics call-up the likely lads

Reporter: by TONY BUGBY
Date online: 28/08/2009

INJURY-HIT Athletic have called apprentices Djeny Bembo-Leta and Phillip McGrath into their squad for tomorrow’s Coca-Cola League One fixture at Brentford.

And there is every chance the 17-year-olds, both second-year apprentices, could be on the bench at Griffin Park.

Athletic’s injury woes, allied to the fact that seven substitutes can be named, has provided an unexpected lift for the teenagers who are two of the jewels of the youth team.

The versatile Bembo-Leta, who has play in a number of midfield/forward positions, is from nearby Ashton and has been at the club for almost five years.

Belfast-boy McGrath, a talented winger, has had to cancel a trip home to Northern Ireland for the weekend after receiving his call-up.

Bembo-Leta and McGrath are needed to bolster a squad which has been depleted by injury.

Chris Taylor is the latest casualty after straining a hamstring in last Saturday’s 2-2 home draw against Swindon Town.

The winger has been unable to train so far this week and manager Dave Penney admits he is a major doubt.

Midfield man Jon Worthington, who jarred his ankle on Saturday, trained for the first time yesterday.

Penney is optimistic Worthington will be all right providing there is no adverse reaction.

Full-back Kelvin Lomax is also a worry after picking up a knock in Wednesday’s reserve-team match against Preston North End.

The squad has been further depleted by the departures of Chris O’Grady, Greg Fleming, Dale Stephens and Lewis Alessandra on loan.

Athletic are already without long-term absentees Rob Purdie, Joe Jacobson and Deane Smalley

ATHLETIC (probable squad): Brill, Holdsworth, Gilbert, Hazell, Gregan, Parker, Marrow, Worthington, Furman, Whitaker, Abbott, Blackman, Kazimierczak, Lomax, Black, Brooke, Rowney, Bembo-Leta, McGrath.

Newly-promoted Brentford, who are unbeaten in League One, have a clean bill of health and are expected to name the same side which drew 1–1 at Southampton.