Trotman tonic for Latics

NEAL TROTMAN . . . loan deal extended until the end of the season.

ATHLETIC are still looking to extend the loan deals of Aidan White and Cedric Evina after the Boundary Park outfit secured the services of Neal Trotman until the end of the season.

Trotman had the option of returning to Championship outfit Preston, but he has decided to stay at Athletic and will team up with Reuben Hazell at the heart of the defence at home to Swindon tomorrow.

Athletic remain in talks with Leeds United over winger White, who is currently injured and would miss this weekend’s match anyway.

The 19-year-old, who has already scored twice in an impressive stint at the club, suffered suspected ankle ligament damage in the defeat to Rochdale on Monday.

Trotman, who was initially at Athletic for a month, will slot in to play alongside Hazell in the absence of injured Jean-Yves Mvoto.

Finally, Evina was in discussions with his Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger yesterday on returning to Boundary Park on a loan deal running to the end of the season. Such an agreement had to be struck by noon today in order for the teenager to be able to play in the npower League One clash against Swindon.

Athletic manager Paul Dickov is delighted to have retained the services of Trotman.

“Neal Trotman is back in, which after his performance against Rochdale and in regard to Jean’s injury, is a big, big boost for us.

“Neal had options for other clubs, but wanted to come back here and play which shows his commitment to us, which is great.

“Cedric is in with Mr Wenger to find out what is happening with him. Yet again we are hopeful that can be done.”

While Dickov admits Mvoto’s ankle is giving cause for concern — the swelling is in the same area in which he has previously undergone surgery — on the positive side, he is hoping that deals can be struck soon for more players to arrive at the club.

Dickov added: “We are trying to do a couple of things at the minute, hopefully with one by Saturday.”

Swindon captain Jonathan Douglas — who would have been suspended from the original fixture, which should have taken place on December 11 — is back in the midfield for Danny Wilson’s side after serving his ban.

Swindon (probable, 4-5-1): Smith; Caddis, Morrison, Frampton, Rose; Ritchie, Prutton, Douglas, Ferry, O’Brien; Austin. Subs: Timlin, McGovern, Cuthbert, Scott, Pericard, Dossevi, Evans.