McEleney and Benteke set for Oldham debuts against Southend

Oldham’s attacking midfielder Patrick McEleney is in contention for his debut against Southend after recovering from injury.

The 24-year-old January signing from Dundalk has overcome a thigh problem which has prevented him featuring for his new club and played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against a Manchester United side in midweek.

Midfielder Wilfried Moimbe returns after a one-match suspension while Jonathan Benteke is still awaiting his debut after two games as an unused substitute.

Rob Hunt (hamstring) is expected back in the next couple of weeks with Eoin Doyle not too far away from full fitness after illness.

Southend winger Michael Kightly is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Josh Wright, who made his first appearance of 2018 after a hamstring injury as a late substitute in last weekend’s win over Portsmouth, stepped up his bid for full fitness with an hour for the Under-23s in their midweek win over MK Dons.

Defender John White is still sidelined with an ankle injury.

Striker Theo Robinson is hoping to force his way back into first-team contention after four goals in 44 minutes for the Under-23s.