Chance to impress

STARTING ROLE? . . . Marc Klok (left) could replace Ousmane Fane in midfield for tomorrow's visit of Chesterfield in Sky Bet League One

FOR the first time this season, destructor-in-chief Ousmane Fane won't be on the field at the start of a league game when Chesterfield roll in to SportsDirect.com Park tomorrow.

Despite losing the services of the impressive £30,000 midfield man, though, Athletic boss Stephen Robinson has options aplenty open to him - but he may resist the temptation to give Darius Osei his full debut just yet.

Fane serves a one-match ban against the Spireites following a red card that was almost prevented by his substitution against Shrewsbury.

REPLACE
At the front of the queue to replace the former Kidderminster player in midfield alongside Paul Green and Ryan Flynn are former Chesterfield man Ollie Banks and Marc Klok.

As well as two-goal Osei, Lee Croft has had an impact as a substitute and while Flynn is a regular, wing duo Ryan McLaughlin and Calaum Jahraldo-Martin also offer options down the flanks.

While admitting that the developing Fane's absence is a blow, Robinson - who fielded Billy Mckay in the 'hole' behind two strikers against Shrewsbury - is happy to offer a rival a chance to stake their claim for a regular run in the side.

"We would certainly prefer to have Ousmane in, as he has been a regular for us and has done very well," said Robinson, who is still without left-back Jamie Reckord due to a hip and groin problem.

"He did alright on Saturday, too, and we were trying to take him off just before he picked up his second yellow card.

"He needs to learn to stay on his feet in certain situations and now, it gives the chance for somebody else to come in and impress.

"We have plenty of options available to us both in midfield and up front.

"Recently with Darius and Crofty coming on, they have had a big impact."

Robinson welcomed Cameron Dummigan back for training for the first time today.

The right-back, who had two successful spells on loan last term, signed on a permanent deal on deadline day last week, but up to today had not yet trained with his current team-mates due to his involvement with Northern Ireland's under-21s squad.

Robinson will be live on BBC Radio Manchester's 'Monday Football Hour' taking calls and answering tweets and text messages from supporters from 6pm on Monday, September 12.