Defender could return for vital basement duel

Photo: Darren Robinson

BRIAN Wilson being attended by medical staff at Barnsley.

BRIAN Wilson has been given the all-clear, handing Athletic manager John Sheridan a boost ahead of the hugely significant relegation tussle at Fleetwood this weekend.

The defender was carried off on a stretcher at Barnsley on Tuesday after a collision with his goalkeeper, Joel Coleman.

Wilson was taken to hospital for checks but was found to be suffering from no more than bruising and a stiff neck - meaning h could be in contention for a place in the side at the Highbury Stadium, freeing Cameron Dummigan to play on the right of midfield in the event of fellow sick-list man Carl Winchester not recovering in time. Jonathan Forte will be the likely candidate to step in on the left if Mike Jones (ribs) doesn’t make the game.

James Wilson also had an ankle problem at Barnsley – where Sheridan had hoped to rest Forte. The rest was short-lived for the forward went on for Wilson in the 34th minute.

But Sheridan is intent on giving more 1,000 Athletic fans at Fleetwood something to shout about on Saturday.

“I have to look at all the games coming up,” said Sheridan, whose side is a point and a place clear of Fleetwood in 18th, with both on 41 matches.

“Every manager wants to keep a settled side, but with so many games coming up you have to be wary of playing people both on Saturday and then Tuesday. Then we picked up a lot of injuries. I still have to

concentrate on putting a team out that will hopefully get us a result at Fleetwood. We will have a massive following and we know that it is a big one for us.”



ATHLETIC season tickets for 2016-17 went on sale today with a special deal on adult tickets, which are reduced to £300 for the first 500 fans - £50 off the price. The first 500 concessionary tickets will cost £160 - £20 off.

From next season, under-12 season tickets in the family section are free when bought with an adult ticket.