Swindon vs Oldham preview - Robins hopeful over Stephens

Posted Tuesday, September 16, 2014 by PA

Swindon are hoping Jack Stephens recovers in time to face Oldham at the County Ground.

The Southampton loanee was suffering from tonsillitis last week and was unavailable for Saturday's 2-1 win at Bradford but manager Mark Cooper hopes he will be available to make his second debut for the Robins having returned for a second spell.

Jonathan Obika's two goals earned Town the points at Valley Parade and he is set to keep his place in a squad that remains without midfielder Ben Gladwin, who is stepping up his recovery from torn ankle ligaments.

If Cooper decides to freshen up his side then the likes of Andy Williams, Connor Waldon and Josh Lelan could all come into his thinking.

Oldham will once again run the rule over their top scorer Jonathan Forte.

The striker missed Saturday's 0-0 draw with Gillingham after being rated 50-50 due to a thigh strain and manager Lee Johnson offered those odds again when asked if he would return against the Robins.

On-loan forward Conor Wilkinson could see more of a role if Forte fails his fitness test having made his debut at the weekend, 24 hours after signing from Bolton.

Club captain Adam Lockwood continues to occupy the sidelines because of a foot problem, although Latics have kept four clean sheets in a row in his absence.