Hopes are high for Neal

ADAM NEAL

ADAM Neal could return for Oldham's clash with derby rivals Rochdale on Monday.

Absent for almost two months because of a broken jaw, the second-row stalwart has a "good chance" of lining up at the Crown Oil Arena.

Neal's availability would be a huge boost for Roughyeds as they look to climb away from the Kingstone Press Championship relegation places.

Other recent injury absentees, Kenny Hughes (dead leg), Danny Grimshaw (groin) and Liam Thompson (sternum), are also expected to be in contention.

CONSISTENT

Neal, one of Oldham's most consistent performers, suffered the injury against Toulouse Olympique at the beginning of July.

Coach Scott Naylor said: "Adam has a good chance as it's eight weeks since it happened and that is the length of time for the healing process, so we've been told.

"He's a fit lad and looks after after himself, so that won't be an issue."

Naylor's charges have been slow out of the blocks in their last two games, which has them left facing tough uphill battles.

Although they fell short in their spirited comeback at home to bottom side Bradford Bulls, they pulled off a brilliant recovery to draw at Batley.

Naylor said: "I can't fault the effort shown - the point against Batley was enormous for us - but I'm hoping we don't start at 3.20pm again.

"The boys are under a lot of pressure, perhaps there are a few nerves, and we only relax when we feel there is nothing to lose.

"That shouldn't happen against Rochdale, though, as it's a derby game and we'll be giving it everything we've got.

"Also the result at Batley should give us a lot of confidence going forward into the remaining Shield games."