Naylor ponders derby options

SLIGHT INJURY DOUBT: Oldham centre Jon Ford, pictured scoring a try.

OLDHAM fans can expect to see at least one dual-registration player from Huddersfield in the squad that will defend the Law Cup against derby rivals Rochdale Hornets at Spotland on Sunday.

Roughyeds boss Scott Naylor emerged from last night’s training session to give a broad hint the squad will be bolstered by young Giants.

“It’s important we get the partnership up and running,” he said, before revealing that two or three players, notably centre Jon Ford, are carrying niggling knocks from the Keighley game.

Ford, who took a blow to the head, will be given as long as possible and will be monitored again when the players report for training tomorrow.

Few fans travelled to Keighley, preferring to wait for their first look at new signings Jamel Chisholm, Danny Grimshaw, Jack Spencer and Craig Briscoe in a derby clash with silverware and local bragging rights at stake.

The squad’s two senior citizens are both 29 and half-backs - new man Grimshaw, the elder by eight months, bringing a wealth of experience to complement that of the side’s other golden oldie, Steve Roper. The third midfield maestro is club captain Lewis Palfrey (25), League One player of the year in 2015 and the division’s top goalkicker and points scorer. Naylor will be looking to this trio of pivots to make a big impact in the Championship.

Sunday’s game will be the first Law Cup clash since 2013 when Oldham won narrowly at Spotland in Naylor’s first game in charge.