LATICS’ boss Dave Penney has had mixed news prior to Saturday’s home game against Tranmere Rovers.

The good news is that Keigan Parker has returned to training this week after recovering from the illness which kept him out of last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Wycombe Wanderers.

His return is offset by Reuben Hazell’s absence as the defender sits out through the game suspension after collecting his fifth caution of the season at Adams Park.

Skipper Sean Gregan also walks a disciplinary tightrope as he sits on four bookings ahead of the December 31 cut-off point.

Athletic are in the midst of a severe injury crisis with Joe Jacobson, Paul Black, Andy Holdsworth amd Kelvin Lomax all absent.

Penney’s assistant Martin Gray said: "Reuben missing is typical of the way things are going at the moment.

"We’ve chopped and changed the back four every week so Reuben comes back, scores a goal and gets suspended.

"At least he and Sean aren’t suspended at the same time because that would have been the last thing we needed."

However, doubts surrounded the game as the Advertiser went to press on Monday with the Boundary Park pitch under six inches of snow.

To make matters worse, plumbers have also been called out to seal a number of leaks and burst pipes around Boundary Park.

"We’re hoping the Tranmere game goes ahead," said Gray.

"We don’t know if that’ll be the case though with the way the weather’s been.

"A lot of snow has fallen at Boundary Park in the last 48 hours but we want to get the game on and keep our little run going."

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