Cardiss set for shock return

STEVE DEAKIN: Selection dilemma.

OLDHAM may bring Daryl Cardiss straight back into the team for this weekend’s big clash with Gateshead Thunder — more than four months after he last played for the club.

The former Halifax and Warrington back has been out of action since dislocating his shoulder when attempting, in vain, to prevent Jordan Turner from scoring for Salford late in the Roughyeds’ terrific 18-14 Northern Rail Cup win at Boundary Park in February. It was only his third appearance since signing for Oldham.

Reconstructive surgery followed in mid-March, and the 30-year-old was all set to start his playing comeback with a reserves run-out against Hunslet on Friday night.

That is still the plan. But with the suspension of Gareth Langley giving Oldham selection problems out on the wing, coach Steve Deakin will only give Cardiss half an hour in the second string in order to keep him fresh for taking on the National League Two leaders at Sedgley Park.

“The way we are, having lost Langers, we need outside backs,” said Deakin, who expects Lucas Onyango to be fit enough to take his place on the opposite wing.

“And the next one available on the line for us is Daryl Cardiss.

“If I don’t play him, I have to play somebody else there out of position. The risk of playing him has to be weighed up against the risk of not playing him.

“And he has been champing at the bit for the last fortnight.”

Also back in contention for a place in the side is Tommy Goulden, who is back in contact training tonight after suffering from a sore shoulder, while Simon Baldwin is set for a place in the reserves side.

o THE Roughyeds will have a float in this Saturday’s Oldham Carnival at Alexandra Park. Various playing staff will be present, as well as Roary the Roughyed and the Roughyettes. The parade starts at noon.




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