No stone to be left unturned

Photo: Darren Robinson

THE TIME IS NOW . . . Stephen Robinson on the training field this week, flanked by Carlo Nash (right).

ATHLETIC will be nothing if not well-briefed on Lincoln City, as a fully-fit and well-rested squad is put through its paces across the weekend.

Analyst Conor Marlin has been preparing reports on the Vanarama National League leaders, ex-Imps player Ian Baraclough watched them win in midweek against Wrexham and Athletic consultant Sean O'Driscoll spent some time at the Sincil Bank club during the summer as part of a director of football course.

After a frustrating weekend in which the Peterborough game was postponed, Athletic's players were given some time off - goalkeeper Connor Ripley revealed on Twitter he took the opportunity for a short break in Geneva - before returning to the club to prepare for the important FA Cup tie.

"Lincoln are unbeaten since September and the management team there have done really well," said Robinson, who took the chance this week to talk to supporters in an open forum he felt was a very positive experience.

PLENTY

"We know plenty about them as Sean O'Driscoll had a good look at their set-up before he came to us.

"They are a decent side who are flying at the moment.

"But we are very confident that we can go there and get the right result."

On the team news front, midfielder Paul Green (calf) returning to full training yesterday after overcoming a troublesome injury that ruled him out of three of the last four games.

The rest of the squad is free of injuries as things stand, with Brian Wilson now past a slight groin problem.

The only other issue has been throat infections for Ryan McLaughlin Calaum Jahraldo-Martin but the duo aren't thought in danger of missing the tie.

Athletic have chosen not to schedule in any behind-closed-doors reserves games this week to give fringe players game-time, due to the heavy recent workload.

"We have had plenty of games on Saturdays and Tuesdays, so we didn't need any more," Robinson said.