Wigan could let Gelhardt loose against Boro

Posted Tuesday, February 11, 2020 by PA

Wigan boss Paul Cook has a decision to make over teenager Joe Gelhardt ahead of Tuesday night’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Middlesbrough.

The 17-year-old came off the bench with his side trailing 2-0 at home to Preston on Saturday and set up Chey Dunkley to score, and he very nearly snatched a late equaliser himself to increase the clamour for him to start.

Defender Antonee Robinson has missed the last two games following the collapse of his proposed £6million deadline day switch to AC Milan, and he could return to the squad.

Anthony Pilkington is back in training after injury but fellow midfielder Kieran Dowell is still out, while January signings Leon Balogun, Jan Mlakar and Alex Dobre are yet to make debuts.

Boro head coach Jonathan Woodgate also has things to mull over as he attempts to bounce back from Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at promotion-chasing Brentford.

Woodgate opted for a back four at Griffin Park, in the process handing St Etienne loanee Harold Moukoudi a debut in the middle of his rearguard, but Djed Spence could return if he opts to revert to a five.

Ravel Morrison was an unused substitute at the weekend as he awaits his first appearance for the club since making a temporary move to the Riverside Stadium from Sheffield United.

Ryan Shotton and George Friend are closing in on returns from long-term injuries, but Daniel Ayala, Anfernee Dijksteel and Patrick Roberts are still out.