Ladapo to hand Latics boost

FREDDIE Ladapo's fast feet and physical presence was a big miss for Athletic, his manager said - but the good news is, the striker should be back for the Coventry test.

On-loan Crystal Palace striker Ladapo did not feature in the 0-0 draw with Chesterfield due to illness.

His absence provided a chance for Darius Osei to make his first Athletic start, but with Ladapo returning for the trip to the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, Robinson is hopeful of adding a fourth prong to an attack that has yet to flourish goals-wise - for the time being, at least.

"We definitely missed Freddie. He gives us that lightning pace up top and he has showed that, especially in the Carlisle game," said Robinson, whose side sit 17th in the Sky Bet League One table with seven points from as many games played.

"He was ill and we will have him back for Coventry, hopefully.

"That is no disrespect to the three boys who played and they worked their socks off again.

"Darius is a raw boy coming in from non-league and he has done himself no harm. Maybe he is better at this stage as an impact player, but he did well and was one of the better players on the pitch at times."

Billy Mckay came closest for Athletic when hitting a post in the second half, while at the other end Connor Ripley saved brilliantly from Gboly Ariyibi.

"Fine lines dictate where you are in the table," Robinson added. "We hit the post here and probably lost five points in decisions that went against us over the previous two games.

"We are very close to being a decent side. I have no doubt it will turn for us.

"If someone had said to me when I walked in the door we would be sitting on seven points then we would probably have snapped their hand off.

"We are way ahead of where we should be."

Athletic defender George Edmundson has gone to Conference North side Alfreton Town, managed by his club-mate Josh Law's dad Nicky, on a three-month youth loan.

The 19-year-old, who impressed at the end of last season, made his debut in a 1-0 home win over Harrogate and other youngsters could follow him out of the door.

"We are looking to do the same with Kallum Mantack and Jamie Stott, because we can put them on youth loans and call them back after 28 days," said Robinson.

"George is still very much part of what we want to do, but other than friendlies we don't have a reserves programme and we have to make sure he is getting game time."