New goalkeeping crisis for Cardiff game

Athletic have been plunged into a new goalkeeper crisis as they prepare for Saturday's home game against promotion rivals Cardiff City. Gary Kelly's injury-troubles continued yesterday when he turned his ankle in training and Athletic are unsure of the extent of the damage. With Paul Rachubka back at Manchester United following a three-month loan, Athletic were forced to press
David Miskelly (pictured) back into action sooner than envisaged following a shoulder operation. Miskelly, who dislocated his shoulder at Stoke in November, played in last night's Manchester Senior Cup tie against Manchester United reserves.


The Northern Ireland under-21 international will also play for the reserves at Sheffield United on Wednesday. Head coach Mick Wadsworth said: “We have
been forced to rush David back whereas ideally we would have liked him to have a full week's training. Now I need to assess if David is ready to play in the first team so this week it is going to be a case of being cautious with Kelly and adventurous with Miskelly.” Wadsworth added that he has a contingency plan to bring in a goalkeeper if Kelly is ruled out and Miskelly is deemed not ready to
return.


Athletic have received some cheer on the injury front after learning striker David Reeves (pictured) has not detached a retina in his eye. It was feared Reeves, hurt when a football hit him in the face in the pre-match build- up at Bury, might be ruled out for the season. A specialist has found the retina is all right but a muscle behind the eye has been damaged. Reeves can train but has been forbidden from heading the ball for a week. He will still be back in action sooner than anticipated, which is good news bearing in mind striker John Eyre is ruled out for the remainder of the campaign following a hernia operation.


Argentinian Cristian Colusso was given a run in the reserves last night as he tries to convince Athletic to sign him on a long-term basis. Colusso has been released by Rosario Central because of the economic problems in Argentina and has signed a short-term contract until the end of this season. Athletic
will then have to decide whether to offer Colusso, who was valued at three million dollars by Rosario Central, a permanent deal.


Athletic's league match at Huddersfield Town on Easter Monday, a clash which could be vital to the play-off hopes of both clubs, has been made all-ticket.