OLDHAM’S 19-man squad for Sunday’s third round Coral Challenge Cup-tie against Haydock at the Vestacare Stadium (3pm) will be announced later, but it won’t include full-back Ritchie Hawkyard.
He is having treatment for calf and groin injuries and will be left out to speed his full recovery.
The only other definite absentee is long-standing injury victim Paul Crook.
Head coach Scott Naylor has reported that a few players are shaking off bumps and bruises, but all will be up for consideration including Anthony Bowman and Danny Grimshaw, who were said to be “struggling” earlier in the week.
“I’ll be rotating the squad and making changes,”
added Naylor.
The under-11s of Oldham St Anne’s and Rylands of Warrington will play a curtain-raiser and then join forces to become flag bearers.
Each of the Oldham and Haydock players will leave the tunnel escorted by a mascot as several members of the Haydock junior section will be here to represent their club.
Fans wishing to watch the junior game can do so by entering the ground via the “tickets” turnstile from 1pm.
Saints under-11s, who are featured in the match-day programme, have been together for five seasons and friendships for life have been forged.
Rylands Whites are gearing up for their third season as the White Sharks.
In 2018 they moved up a group and struggled a little bit but they kept their heads and kept their composure and began the 2019 season last week with a great win.
