Latics handed boost for Town test

READY TO ROCK . . . Ryan McLaughlin scored for Athletic reserves in the 2-2 draw against Carlisle

FULL-back Jamie Reckord and winger Ryan McLaughlin both played a full 90 minutes for Athletic's reserves yesterday and will join a fully-fit first-team squad for Saturday's home Sky Bet League One test against stuttering Swindon Town.

Athletic's second string were held to a 2-2 home draw by Carlisle United, but there were huge positives to take from the game.

Front man Darius Osei picked up a slight knock ­- though will be okay ­- with Athletic boss Stephen Robinson delighted to see McLaughlin, who was on the mark along with Carl Winchester, and Reckord impress.

Robinson said: "Ryan was the pick of the bunch.

"He has needed that bit of extra time to get fit recently, but the training regime he's undergoing means we're getting him there now.

"Obviously he has got a fight on his hands to get back in because other players are playing well.

"There is lots of competition in there now, but Ryan is definitely part of that."

Reckord ­- a summer capture from Ross County ­- has been hampered by a broken nose and a hip injury so far this term, but it would appear he is also now ready for a recall, if selected.

'STARTED'

"Unfortunately Jamie's only started two games for us so far this season so it has been a bit stop-start for him," added Robinson.

"He lost a bit of fitness along the way, so we have been working hard to get him up to speed again.

"But he looked good yesterday and so we're happy for him."

Northern Irishman McLaughlin, who was snapped up by Robinson following his summer release from Liverpool, has made just one start for Athletic so far this season.

Swindon will head for SportsDirect.com Park on Saturday in poor form.

They lost their third straight League One game last night, 2-1 at home to Bristol Rovers.

FORMER Athletic defender Connor Brown is being linked with a move to Scottish Premiership outfit Hamilton Academical.

The Accies saw a potential move for ex-Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte fall through this week, and it has been reported that they have now switched their attention to Brown (24).

ROCHDALE FC have announced that October 29's League One derby against Athletic at the Crown Oil Arena will be all-ticket.

This means fans must purchase tickets in advance. There will be no sales on matchday.

More details will be released soon.

Last night's League One results -

Swindon 1, Bristol Rovers 2; Scunthorpe 0, Charlton 0.