Oldham Athletic

Latics manager's praise for Silkmen

Lee Johnson admitted he is starting to hone his side in readiness for the start of their Sky Bet League One campaign which kicks off in a fortnight's time.

Latics tomorrow play Macclesfield Town at Boundary Park in their third pre-season workout.

Johnson said: "I am starting to narrow down the squad and hone in for the start to the season.

"In the two friendlies after tomorrow, our focus will be on our opening league game at Stevenage."

Johnson added tomorrow he will still be looking to give his players valuable game time.

"Hopefully after tomorrow all the players will have had equal minutes so they have all had a fair crack of the whip," he explained.

Cristian Montano will return tomorrow after missing Monday's friendly at Curzon Ashton through a groin injury.

Jose Baxter is a doubt as he is suffering from a bug while Carl Winchester is out for some time with a knee ligament injury.

Johnson believes Conference club Macclesfield will provide a good challenge.

And he is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with his former Yeovil Town team mate Efe Sodje.

The 40-year-old rejoined the Silkmen this summer as assistant manager to John Askey. He is also still registered as a player.

Johnson is an admirer of tomorrow's opponents saying: "They are a great little club and, living in Cheshire, I watched them four or five times last season.

"They had a good side and, though they have lost a lot of players in the summer,  I expect them to do well this season."

Macclesfield will be playing in their fourth game tomorrow in the space of eight days.

They kicked off their pre-season friendlies with a 2-1 defeat at Congleton Town last Saturday, won 4-0 at Leek on Tuesday and last night draw 1-1 at Kidsgrove where their team comprised mainly trialists.

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