Furman strengthens Latics
Oldham captain Dean Furman hopes to return and aid his club's npower League One relegation battle when they host MK Dons.
Furman returned to training with the Latics squad on Thursday after travelling back at the end of South Africa's African Nations Cup campaign.
Caretaker manager Tony Philliskirk, taking charge for the first time following Paul Dickov's resignation last Sunday and Tuesday night's postponed home game with Yeovil, will assess Furman's fitness levels before making a final decision on his involvement.
Veteran midfielder Paul Murray, who rejoined Oldham on a free transfer last week and is assisting Philliskirk and goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard with first-team duties, could make his second debut having been an unused substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Walsall.
Widemen Cristian Montano (thigh) and Youssouf M'Changama (knee) remain on the sidelines along with forward Robbie Simpson (hamstring) and Matt Smith (shoulder).
Scunthorpe's midweek win over Portsmouth dropped Oldham into the relegation zone.
MK Dons have received a triple injury boost.
Luke Chadwick resumed training this week after a six-week lay-off with knee ligament damage, while fellow winger Daniel Powell and defender Gary MacKenzie were also back in training following hamstring problems.
All three players are expected to be available to manager Karl Robinson at the weekend, but the Dons do continue to be hampered by injuries and suspensions.
Ryan Lowe became the second player in as many matches to be sent off against Bournemouth last week and the striker begins a three-match ban.
Centre-half Antony Kay missed the 3-0 defeat to the Cherries serving the first game of a four-match absence for the red card he received in the defeat at Yeovil.
Midfielder Stephen Gleeson (foot) and on-loan Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford (hamstring) are still recovering from injury.
Source: PA
