Hunt blow for Latics

ROB HUNT . . . facing groin surgery

ROB Hunt won't play any further part for Athletic this season, with the news arriving that the left-back requires groin surgery.

The 21-year-old, who is on loan from Brighton, suffered a new injury in training as he worked his way back from a hamstring problem.

Hunt had been in good form for Athletic in his 10-game spell in the side and his absence presents manager John Sheridan with a problem as he aims to lift the squad's spirits for the visit of Fleetwood, after the 3-0 loss at Southend at the weekend.

"His hamstring is fine, 100-per-cent, but he needs groin surgery and he'll be missing for the rest of the season," Sheridan said.

Fellow full-back Cameron Dummigan (hamstring) suffered a setback in his recovery from injury recently, while the defensive options at Roots Hall were not helped by Brian Wilson being rested with a sore Achilles.

Josh Law filled in at left-back at Southend.

RIVALS

Wilson should be ready to play against a Fleetwood side that lost at home to relegation rivals Swindon on Saturday - a result that, along with Port Vale's victory over AFC Wimbledon, tightens up the relegation picture.

Three points now separate Swindon, in 22nd on 42, from Port Vale (45) in 18th.

Athletic are 19th, also on 45 points and with an identical goal difference but with significantly fewer goals scored than Vale.

Sheridan should have the benefit of a fit Aaron Amadi-Holloway to come in as he aims to further boost a recent home run of five wins and three draws in the last nine outings at SportsDirect.com Park.

Bolton are next up after that on home soil on Saturday, April 15, with the final home match against Rochdale a week later.

"I think Aaron will probably be back for the next game," said Sheridan.

"They are two big games coming up for us and we need to get this result out of the system as quickly as we can.

"It's a downer, but we have to move on and we need to refocus for Fleetwood."