Young winger Sam Forrester could be set for a return in Workington Town's opening Championship Shield clash at Oldham.

The former BARLA international has been out of action after breaking his thumb against Bradford earlier in the season.

It was thought at one point that the ex-Maryport star would not return this term but he is back in training and coach Phil Veivers hopes he will be up for selection this weekend.

"Sam should be back which will give us a like for like replacement for John Patrick," said Veivers.

"That will be a boost for us and means I still have 19 or 20 players to choose a side from to go to Oldham."

There is also a chance that hooker Callum Phillips will be back to give Veivers more options.

But John Patrick could be out for the remainder of the season after picking up a bad knee injury in the win at Oldham two weeks ago.

Patrick is still awaiting the results of a recent scan but early indications look like the former Seaton centre has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament.

"The signs don't look good," admitted Veivers. "It is a blow as John was starting to hit form for us."

Town pulled off a superb win at Oldham in the final Championship game but now it is down to the serious end of the season.

The Super Eights begin this weekend and Town need to win at Bower Fold a second time to keep trying to climb out of danger.

They are currently just above bottom placed Whitehaven on points difference and three points below their opponents Oldham who are just above them.

"I am just hoping that the guys all pull together on Sunday and we can come up with another win at a crucial time," added Veivers.

Oldham boss Scott Naylor looks like to give winger Scott Turner his debut as a replacement for the injured Adam Clay.

Prop Jack Spencer, out for weeks with shoulder trouble, has also been passed fit, while Naylor remains upbeat about Richard Lepori's prospects of playing despite a hand injury.