Could be a bit closer than expected with all the buzz of Brian McDermott being there now.

No Lilley for 4 to 6 weeks
Scurr, England and Murphy all clear
Unsure on Jowett.

Bit of an injury curse in the halves for us. With having the week off next week there seems little point i bringing another loan in. Maybe its time for Matty Race?

Will also be good to see how Liam Kirk goes for them

Agreed, I expect this to be a tight game, Oldham will definitely be pumped up for this one with Mcdermott coming in. They best Fax earlier in the year so are no mugs.

Personally would go with Race. We've got a long term issues at HB now so I think it's time we start looking at longer term options. I'd much rather give him game time against Oldham than Fev or Fax (which we may need to if Keyes gets recalled)

Play Race. I remember whenEddie Tees suddenly decided to retire in the mid 70's and we played a young 16 year old was brought in from the colts at short notice. His name was Keith Mumby. Give Race a run and lets see what happens.

Thing with Sir Keith was that he came in and played a blinder. A bit like Sam Burgess he was a star from the off, but they're not all like that, unfortunately. Some are like Jamie Peacock slow burners or late developers, and of course, some just don't make it.

As said above, there is a week off after the weekend so, whatever happens, it gives a tiny bit of leeway before we enter panic mode. Let's hope the lad does well.

You're right but if we don't give these players a chance we will never know.

Only 150 tickets left of the 780 available

That's absolutely correct and I'm not for a second suggesting they don't get a chance.

What I'm saying is that the overall number who come through from, academy to first team is itself relatively small, and most of those take a while to become accustomed to first team requirements. In a position like half back you really want to bring these lads into the side gradually and definitely not be depending on them being 'shooting stars'. Sink or swim is rarely the ideal way, so simply put, if the kid is ready then give him a shot, but if he's not then don't and bring in a loanee if possible.

lets go!!!! ... bulls first use

first set sees bulls make the oldham 20 ... hot potato on first set

second set sees a keyes kick resulting in oldham error .... DFG then strolls in after restart