Jordan Lyden in line for League One debut as Oldham face Port Vale

Posted Friday, October 19, 2018 by PA

Jordan Lyden could make his League One debut for Oldham in Saturday’s clash with Port Vale.

The on-loan Aston Villa midfielder has been sidelined all season by a thigh injury but played 45 minutes in the Latics’ Checkatrade Trophy victory over Bradford last week.

Oldham are looking to end a four-game winless run in the league and manager Frankie Bunn feels his squad have benefited from a free weekend during the international break.

He said on oldhamathletic.co.uk: “The players have had their time to refresh and clear their minds because not only physically but mentally it’s been tough, so we’re recharged and ready to go with a real positiveness around the squad.”

Port Vale are waiting to see whether captain Tom Pope will be fit.

Pope has been struggling for fitness for several weeks, with an ankle injury the latest blow, and sat out last weekend’s humbling 6-2 loss to Lincoln.

Right-back James Gibbons came through 45 minutes of the Checkatrade Trophy win over Middlesbrough in midweek after recovering from a hip problem and Luke Joyce returned from illness, so both come into contention.

Ricky Miller is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season against Lincoln while Manny Oyeleke (hamstring), Cristian Montano (knee) and Scott Quigley (thigh) all remain sidelined.