Athlone boosted by returning players
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Athlone Town will receive a boost this weekend with the return from suspension of captain Kevin Williamson.
Along with Tommy Barrett, Williamson is currently one of the few players in Athlone's squad with genuine First Division experience, and his availability will give Town boss Mike Kerley more options in midfield.
Williamson has missed Athlone's last two league games following a red card in the recent away draw with Salthill Devon. Prior to his suspension, Athlone's captain had operated in the centre of midfield, but given Athlone's lack of bodies across the midfield area, Williamson could be utilised in a wide left berth this weekend.
Athlone, who drew their opening three matches before last weekend's defeat to Longford, are further aided by the return to fitness of attacker Gary Higgins, who has impressed since moving to the club from Limerick junior outfit Janesboro during pre-season. Higgins has netted twice during the early stages of his Athlone career, but has also been hampered by injury problems.
The lively forward returned from a hamstring problem against Longford Town, when he replaced Colm Smith as a half-time substitute, and caused difficulties for the Longford rearguard during the second half.
Left-back Jamie Carr also returned from injury against Longford and reported no adverse reaction following the game, but pre-season signing Bobby Tier - who has yet to debut for Athlone - remains sidelined through injury.
Along with Tommy Barrett, Williamson is currently one of the few players in Athlone's squad with genuine First Division experience, and his availability will give Town boss Mike Kerley more options in midfield.
Williamson has missed Athlone's last two league games following a red card in the recent away draw with Salthill Devon. Prior to his suspension, Athlone's captain had operated in the centre of midfield, but given Athlone's lack of bodies across the midfield area, Williamson could be utilised in a wide left berth this weekend.
Athlone, who drew their opening three matches before last weekend's defeat to Longford, are further aided by the return to fitness of attacker Gary Higgins, who has impressed since moving to the club from Limerick junior outfit Janesboro during pre-season. Higgins has netted twice during the early stages of his Athlone career, but has also been hampered by injury problems.
The lively forward returned from a hamstring problem against Longford Town, when he replaced Colm Smith as a half-time substitute, and caused difficulties for the Longford rearguard during the second half.
Left-back Jamie Carr also returned from injury against Longford and reported no adverse reaction following the game, but pre-season signing Bobby Tier - who has yet to debut for Athlone - remains sidelined through injury.
