HIGHLY-RATED young Wigan striker Callum Lang could be thrust straight into Frankie Bunn’s squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup first round tie with Derby County (7.45pm) – if his parent club allow him to become cup-tied.

Boundary Park chiefs are yet to confirm if the 19-year-old, who only joined the club on loan until January 1 this afternoon after penning a two-year deal at the DW Stadium, will be available.

Lang’s inclusion would be a massive boost to the manager’s striking options with injuries continuing to hamper team selection.

The teenage prospect arrives with League Two experience having played on loan for Morecambe last season where he scored 10 goals in 30 games.

Meanwhile, Bunn has promised his side will “have a go” at their Championship opponents tonight despite admitting he doesn’t expect any of his walking wounded to recover in time to play.

That means Athletic could again be without Peter Clarke, Ishmael Miller and Sam Surridge who all missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Forest Green Rovers.

“It would be nice to get some experienced players back but I’m not sure if they will be ready,” said Bunn.

“I should think they will be in sight for Saturday but we’ll have to see how we go.”

After recovering from illness, skipper Clarke is now nursing a sore knee, while frontmen Miller and Surridge both have tight hamstrings.

If they fail to make it, Bunn will choose from the same 18 he named in the squad on Saturday – and possibly Lang – against Frank Lampard’s Rams.

That includes Jose Baxter, but the manager is reluctant to rush the playmaker back into the starting XI while not yet fully fit.

Bunn added: “We’ll turn up tonight and have a go. Derby spent £5m or £6m last week, but we’ll show spirit like we know we can do.”

Goalkeeper Daniel Iversen believes tonight’s match can act as an important learning curve for Athletic’s young side and will only benefit the players going forward.

The big Danish stopper, who produced a man-of-the-match performance on Saturday, knows how difficult life can be for youngsters in League Two. He reckons playing against opponents from two divisions higher will stand them in good stead.

Iversen said: “We are a young team, especially in defence, so we have to learn.

“First-team football is different to under-23s games, it’s difficult to play out from the back. We need to if we can, but it’s all part of the learning process.

“I’ve trained with Kasper Schmeichel every day at Leicester for two-and-a-half years now and he has a lot of good advice because he dropped down the divisions on loan when he was a Manchester City player.

“He knows how difficult it can be. He spoke to me about what to expect before I came here and what I can do better, but already I’m enjoying it – and learning from the experience.”

If tonight’s game ends in a draw after 90 minutes, there will be no extra time with the match instead going straight to penalties.

A proud Joe Royle will be present this evening as the club officially unveil the North Stand in his name.

Latics’ greatest ever manager said: “I am absolutely delighted, it is a proud moment for me. I have four grandchildren who all live in Oldham as well as my two sons and their wives and they will be equally as proud.”

Signage officially recognising the Jimmy Frizzell Rochdale Road Stand will also be in place for the fixture.