Defender Paul Black is stepping up his recovery as he battles back from the ankle problem which has sidelined him for the last two months.

Black, 18, sustained ligament damage after falling awkwardly during a training session at the Little Wembley complex, although scans subsequently ruled out a break.

The injury cut short the left back's loan spell at Barrow, although it is hoped he can return to Holker Street for the remainder of the deal, which is due to expire in January.

Latics' medical team have been putting in some training-ground with the player, and assistant physio Jon Guy is pleased with the progress made so far.

He told oldhamathletic.co.uk: "We have progressed Paul's straight-line running over the last week and he's now at 100% in that respect.

"We're now looking at multi-directional running and he's probably about 50-60% of the way there at the moment.

"We'll be looking to progress that significantly over the next week and then look at where we go from there."

Elsewhere, Matty Wolfenden is the only other player currently in the treatment room as he continues to receive treatment for a knee problem.