Latics boss targets forward boost

ON THE SLIDE . . . Ousmane Fane tackles Ben Thompson as Athletic were beaten 3-0 at Millwall.

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ATHLETIC expect to boost their scoring options by signing a new striker today.

After drawing a blank at Millwall, boss Stephen Robinson expects to tie down a deal for a livewire forward to inject spark in the final third, while also chasing the capture of TWO new wingers - provided there are also players who leave the club.

New signing Darius Osei provided energy up front as a substitute in the later stages of the 3-0 defeat at The Den, but it's clear that more is needed in terms of goal threat.

Carl Winchester did not travel south and is understood to be a target for clubs in League Two and League One, while Connor Brown was also absent from Athletic's plans.

"Darius has come in from Stalybridge and it is a massive step up to League One for him," said Robinson, whose side are back in action at home to Wigan in the first round of the EFL Cup tomorrow (7.45pm kick-off).

"He was bright - he probably should have scored - and caused them problems in behind.

"We will make a couple of changes and we will have a striker in (by today). It will add pace and energy and physicality at that end of the pitch.

"We are also trying to get one, possibly two, wingers in and possibly move people on at the same time.

"We are still in the process of doing things and it's a steep learning curve for some of the boys, but we can't make excuses - they need to learn quickly."

Athletic's manager felt that the heavy scoreline did not describe a game that Millwall dominated, but a contest in which soft goals came at crucial times.

"We spoke to Connor Ripley and he did not have a save of note, other than the three set=plays," said Robinson, who also revealed Marc Klok may have started at Millwall had he been fully fit.

"It shows that they did not dominate the game. We conceded a really rash penalty and Cameron (Burgess) will learn from that. Nobody is blaming him and he is a young boy who is willing to learn.

CRIMINAL

"You get to just before half-time and the second goal kills you a little bit.

"How (the third goal) ends up at the back post is criminal and we didn't do the basics."

LEE Croft has signed a new six-month contract with Athletic.

The 31-year-old's deal will see him stay at the club until at least January, with the option built in to extend the stay to the end of the season.