Byrne may ignore pain to play in derby duel
Oldham defender Cliff Byrne is ready to play through the pain against Greater Manchester neighbours Bury in npower League One.
Byrne suffered a heavy blow to the ribs and was substituted just before the hour during Saturday's 2-0 victory over Blue Square Bet Premier outfit Kidderminster in the first round of the FA Cup.
Despite initial fears, the former Scunthorpe man has not suffered any rib damage and was simply badly winded so is expected to start against the Shakers.
If Byrne is ruled out, on-loan Manchester City youngster Reece Wabara could revert to the centre of defence with Conor Brown coming in at right-back.
Elsewhere, boss Paul Dickov has no new injury or suspension worries, although centre-back Jean Yves Mvoto serves the second match of a three-game ban.
Bury's Efe Sodje will miss the match with the start of a two-match ban.
Sodje bagged the Shakers' winning goal against Exeter in the FA Cup first round on Saturday but picked up a second yellow card after half-time to leave Kevin Blackwell's men hanging on with 10 men.
The veteran centre-back also saw red in August's Capital One Cup loss to Middlesbrough, meaning he must an serve extra game on top of the regular suspension for his offence.
Andy Bishop (foot) remains out but fellow striker Tom Hopper is ready to return to the Bury attack after parent club Leicester made him ineligible for cup action on Saturday.
Leeds loanee Zac Thompson is also in contention once more having completed a three-match ban, but fellow midfielder Mark Carrington remains doubtful with illness.
Lenell John-Lewis and Phil Picken (both knee) remain long-term injury victims.
Source: PA
