Oldham's injury worries increase

Oldham have a small but increasing injury list as the 2004/5 League One season approaches.

Michael Clegg, Andy Griffin (both thigh injuries) and Will Haining (infected toe) were rested with minor injuries for Tuesday night’s 3-0 win against Newcastle Town. In addition, Dave Beherall was taken off during the victory as a precautionary measure. Hopefully the quadruplet of defenders will be fully recovered for the seasons opener against Luton on August 7^.

Of more concern are Danny Hall and Wes Wilkinson. Danny has been saddled with a knee problem for the last 18 months, and saw a specialist earlier in the month. And former Nantwich forward Wilkinson missed the end of last season with a cartilage problem, and had an operation in April. Neither has featured in the two pre-season encounters against ‘Town and Stalybridge, and could miss the opening of the new campaign.

There is a bright side on the injury front, however. Matty Appleby has impressed in the two encounters, and came through unscathed after a 16-month layoff. And Chris Killen scored inside 20 seconds of his comeback on Tuesday, after training at Lilleshall last week. Boss Brian Talbot says that Killen is “100% fit”.