Danny and Weso on mend for cup date

DANNY Philliskirk is in line to feature at Liverpool - and there could also be a return for masked James Wesolowski.

Top scorer Philliskirk has been struggling with strained knee ligaments, but after not quite making yesterday’s Shrewsbury game, he could return to give much-needed technical knowhow up front.

Reds fan Wesolowski, part of the line-up which saw off Brendan Rodgers’ men at Boundary Park last season, will be checked in the lead-up to the game.

A special mask has been made to protect his fractured cheekbone. Johnson says he will “possibly” be able to bring in one player on loan for the Liverpool game.

“You are always looking at the market to improve and that would be the same even if we were top of the league,” he added. “We have to go forward and continue doing the right things, hoping the quality comes and the luck turns.”

Matteo Lanzoni departed the club prior to the Shrewsbury game after turning down the offer of a long-term contract.

Chris Sutherland has left Athletic after his six-month deal expired, Ellis Plummer’s loan from Manchester City has ended, as has Wade Joyce’s from Barnsley.

Paul Rachubka, who has been offered fresh terms, reaches the end of his current deal after the Liverpool game.