Jones hope for Latics

Mike Jones could make his return for Athletic in tomorrow’s FA Cup clash at Mansfield.

MIKE Jones could be fit to make an unexpected but crucial return to Athletic’s midfield at Mansfield tomorrow.

It was feared the 28-year-old midfield man would be out of action for an extended period after he picked up an ankle injury at Rochdale. But a scan showed no major damage.

Jones returned to training yesterday and could be thrown back into the side — a major benefit, given the absence of suspended captain Liam Kelly

There could be further cheer for Athletic: striker Michael Higdon is set to be allowed to play by his club Sheffield United. He has resumed training after a minor knock puthim out of the Burton game.

There is hope that loan player Jay Fulton can also take to the pitch, while Burnley’s Cameron Dummigan is allowed to feature at right-back.

But there is bad news on centre back Jonathan Burn: a shoulder complaint needs surgery and Burn, whose loan ends on January 1, will miss most of the remaining time.

“It has been going on for three or four weeks,” said boss David Dunn.

“We have monitored it but it has come to a point where he has been to the specialist and needs to see someone about it. I imagine it will be a six-week job.”

Whatever the make-up of his side at Mansfield, Dunn insists is men will need to “stand up and be counted”.

“Let’s not kid ourselves — it’s going to be a tough game and a typical FA Cup tie. We will need to win our individual battles all over the pitch. They will be aggressive and are a high-tempo team, certainly from the games we have watched.”