Blackman poised for Latics bow

The rookie striker has joined the Latics on a month's loan and comes into contention to face the Robins. Midfield man Danny Whitaker missed Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Millwall because he was unwell. Whitaker had been named in Penney's 18-man squad but was unable to travel after being struck down by a bug. He will be assessed but summer signings Rob Purdie and Joe Jacobson remain sidelined due to injury. Midfielder Purdie is recovering from a stomach injury and defender Jacobson is currently troubled by a hernia. Striker Lewis Alessandra has joined Chester on a month's loan and could go straight into their starting line-up for Saturday's daunting trip to Luton.