Athletic welcomed back a fresh face at this morning's training session - fit-again winger Deane Smalley.

The Chadderton-born winger will take a full part in proceedings this morning under the watchful eye of John Sheridan after beating a troublesome hip problem.

Smalley, 20, has spent the past couple of weeks under the care of head physio Marc Czuczman, undergoing a rehabilitation problem to treat the injury, sustained during the win at Northampton.

He started the home defeat to Cheltenham Town but was substituted during the first half and has been out of action since.

Medical chief Czuczman added: "Deane should be ready for the Brighton game a week on Saturday, as long as there aren't any complications."