Latics set to shuffle pack

goalkeeper David Cornell could be handed the No.1 jersey for tonight’s Capital One Cup clash against Middlesbrough.

ATHLETIC boss Darren Kelly is likely to shake up his squad for tonight’s Capital One Cup first-round tie against Middlesborough (kick-off 7.45pm).

With three league matches in eight days to follow tonight’s showdown at SportsDirect.com Park, Kelly is expected to field one or two players who didn’t feature in Saturday’s 1-1 league draw at Walsall.

With a fully-fit squad, Kelly has no qualms plucking into the reserves of talent at his disposal.

“There will be changes; there have to be, with all the games coming up,” he said. “We have to make sure everyone is physically and mentally right.”

Most likely to give way from Saturday’s starting XI are defender Jonathan Burn and goalkeeper Joel Coleman. Loan signing Burn had a tough pre-season with tonight’s opponents, so though he is available, he may be given a breather. Coleman is vying with David Cornell for the goalkeeper’s jersey and Kelly can’t decide between them.

Asked if Cornell was likely to start, he said: “Yes, possibly, because Joel and David are very similar in all aspects. Both are very good and I am lucky to have them. You’re basically looking at the toss of a coin.”

Boro were comfortable 3-0 winners in Oldham in the same fixture 12 months ago.

But Kelly, mindful that Athletic haven’t progressed to the second round in seven years - and that it is the 25th anniversary of the club’s appearance in the final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley - is motivated rather than daunted by the task.

He said: “We want to go out and win. There is absolutely no doubt about that. Seven years is a long time since the club has progressed to the next round and I want to change that. It is important that we show what we are about and the quality that we have.”