Cheer on the youngsters
Head of Youth Tony Philliskirk admits Latics under-18's face an enormous challenge in tomorrow's FA Youth Cup, first-round tie against Accrington Stanley at Boundary Park, kick off 7pm.Philliskirk could be without seven of his youth-team players and accepts it will be a depleted line up.
He added, however, it is a great opportunity for other players who have the chance to seize the moment.
Philliskirk (pictured) said:"I am under no illusions it will be a tough ask. If seven players are missing, no team in the country wouldn't be affected.
"It is a great opportunity for other players and we will give it our best shot.
"It is a big night for the lads to play under the lights at Boundary Park, use the first team changing room and prepare for a game as the senior side does. It is a part of their education."
Philliskirk admitted a number of under-16 schoolboy players will be involved because they are so short on numbers.
Definitely out are Chris Sutherland, who will again be on first-team duty; Tomos Clarke who is away with Wales under-17's and Tomos Jones who is one day too old to play.
In addition there are four injury doubts - goalkeeper Luke Simpson, defender Joe Cooper, midfielder Michael Brewster and striker Hadyn Foulds.
Philliskirk added Latics' goal for the FA Youth Cup is similar to the first-team's objectives in the FA Cup.
"We want to make it to the third round and then draw a big club as we did last year when we were paired with Norwich City."
If Latics beat Accrington Stanley, they have home advantage again in the second round against Coventry City.
Admission prices tomorrow are £4 for adults and £2 concessions.
"It is a big night for the lads to play under the lights at Boundary Park, use the first team changing room and prepare for a game as the senior side does. It is a part of their education."
Philliskirk admitted a number of under-16 schoolboy players will be involved because they are so short on numbers.
Definitely out are Chris Sutherland, who will again be on first-team duty; Tomos Clarke who is away with Wales under-17's and Tomos Jones who is one day too old to play.
In addition there are four injury doubts - goalkeeper Luke Simpson, defender Joe Cooper, midfielder Michael Brewster and striker Hadyn Foulds.
Philliskirk added Latics' goal for the FA Youth Cup is similar to the first-team's objectives in the FA Cup.
"We want to make it to the third round and then draw a big club as we did last year when we were paired with Norwich City."
If Latics beat Accrington Stanley, they have home advantage again in the second round against Coventry City.
Admission prices tomorrow are £4 for adults and £2 concessions.