Latics capture defender with another on the way

CAMERON BURGESS . . . loan deal until January

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CAMERON Burgess has added his considerable size to Athletic's defence, with the promise of another experienced centre-back to come very soon.

Fulham's Burgess, who stands at close to 6ft 5in, missed out on selection against Huddersfield due to a strain, but has completed a six-month loan deal and will be in the thick of the pre-season action soon.

An Australia under-23 international - his family moved Down Under when he was 11 - the promising Burgess (20) was signed by the Craven Cottage club five years ago. He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Cheltenham in the Vanarama National League, playing 17 times and keeping eight clean sheets to help Gary Johnson's side to the title.

Also expected in through the door at SportsDirect.com Park is another central defender. Bury's skipper and reigning player of the year Peter Clarke (34) has been linked with a move.

A new midfielder is also set to arrive in time to take to the field for the home clash with Preston tomorrow (7pm kick-off), as manager Stephen Robinson sets to work further boosting his squad.

"Cameron is a left-sided centre-back who gives us a lot more physique and experience," Robinson said.

"We hope to have another centre-back in today as well as another midfielder.

PRESENCE

"Cameron is a very good player who gives us a big physical presence and a left-footer too, which is rare to have.

"He enhances what we have. Jamie Stott and George Edmundson were outstanding for me against Huddersfield, but you can't reply on young boys throughout the season. You have to have a squad and it's an area of the pitch we are looking at."

Lee Croft was one of two trialists on show for Athletic on Saturday and Robinson revealed he has signed for the club, initially on a short-term basis.

"He has a contract for a month at this moment in time," the manager said of the experienced winger. "So far, he's bought into what we are trying to do and if he keeps up that work ethic, we know what quality he has got.

"We will see what happens.

"He is a very good footballer. It is his fitness and he has done well so far. We will review it again in a month."

The other player making a guest appearance in the second half was released West Brom's attack-minded midfield man Samir Nabi (19).

Athletic went close to opening the scoring against Huddersfield through a Josh Law free-kick and held their own up until the latter stages, when Harry Bunn swept home and Jack Payne headed in from close range.

"The first 60 minutes contained lots of good things and we will have to be a very good team out of possession," Robinson said.

"Do that and we will get better on the ball, creating more chances and more opportunities from set plays.

"Some of the decision-making when on the ball was poor at times, but it is to be expected at this stage.

"We are progressing as we go.

"There are positive signs and we have only been in the building a week.

"You can see the players who have trained for two to three weeks. Billy Mckay looked the sharpest player on the pitch at times and that's because he has worked with Wigan for three weeks already.

"We have made good additions. Josh Law and Jamie Reckord will do well for us, the centre-halves we are trying to bring in will add a massive amount of experience and leadership and know-how.

"There will be new faces in for Preston and hopefully, a few more still by Saturday."