Slew blow for Latics

Oldham striker Jordan Slew has been ruled out of their Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Section first-round game at Chesterfield.

The on-loan teenager has returned to parent-club Blackburn to receive treatment for a recurring back injury which forced the former Sheffield United man off the field after 22 minutes of the 1-0 win at Portsmouth on Saturday. Cliff Byrne was also sent from the field against Pompey, for a straight red card for violent conduct. The Irishman claims he was a victim of mistaken identity, and his attempts to overturn the decision are under review. Carl Winchester and Kirk Millar have been included in the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad to face Macedonia and Denmark, but have been granted a delayed arrival to allow them to participate against the Spireites. Captain Dean Furman will be absent as he joins up with his South African team-mates to face Brazil.