Vernon and Kilkenny out of Bristol trip

Last updated : 21 February 2005 By Dave Moore

Athletic will be without striker Scott Vernon for the trip to Bristol City. Vernon took taking a kick to the face when he lowered his head for a header with the result that he was left holding a bloody face. He was immediately substituted as it was thought that he may have fractured his cheekbone. The resultant X-ray’s revealed that he has suffered a broken nose which is better news for the Latics as the injury is not as severe. Although he will miss the vital match at Ashton Gate the good news is that he should be back training this week and may be fit enough to resume playing for the trip to Huddersfield on Saturday.

Also missing from the Bristol trip will be Neil Kilkenny who serves an automatic one match ban for picking up his 5th. booking of the season in the home debacle against Stockport. According to the official site, under-fire manager Brian Talbot may give a start to reserve goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall (pictured). The 6’-5” stopper joined the Latics from Notts County in a one year deal back in in December. Les Pogliacomi has kept of the team but the current lack of form and confidence in the team has made Talbot think and he said, “I've done everything that I possibly can with the players I've got. The only thing I haven't done is change the goalkeeper so that is an option to me. Les has been brilliant over the years but we’ve let in too many goals and as there’ve been mistakes we’ve got to look at that situation.”

“If you bring a goalkeeper into the club as a number two and if the number one is not doing well, what's the point in having a number two? Mildenhall has only played reserve team football and obviously he wants to play first team. It's difficult for senior players to play in the reserves but he did well at Stockport last week. He's played games and now if he does get an (first team) opportunity, then it's up to him to try and impress.”