Micky Mellon hopes the inaugural game in the new National League Cup competition will be an opportunity to re-introduce injured duo Harry Charsley and Josh Kay.
The Oldham Athletic midfielders have been absent in recent weeks, with Kay enduring a longer lay-off.
But both are closing in on a return to first team action, and manager Mellon believes the new cup, in which Latics have been grouped with Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, could be the ideal platform to boost the duo's match fitness.
"I’m hoping so because they’re two really talented lads who we brought here in the summer and we’re delighted to have here so it would be great if we can have them back really soon," said Mellon of the likelihood that at least one could feature at home to Stoke tonight (7pm).
“They’re building on their fitness and they’re looking likely to be in the squad very very soon.
“They’re both important players for us.
“We’re not far away with those two guys and we’ll need the full squad fit as much as possible."
The new competition sees the Premier League and National League coming together, with National League first teams playing Premier League 2 sides in a 32-team midweek competition, made up of 16 Under 21 teams from Premier League 2 and 16 first teams from the National League.
The top two teams from four groups of eight will advance to a knockout stage to determine the overall winner.
National League teams play all of their group fixtures at home and will benefit from all gate receipts.
Tony Scholes, chief football officer at the Premier League said: “We’re excited to launch this new competition in partnership with the National League.
“The competition will provide additional opportunities for young players in the under 17-21 age groups to gain valuable experience of playing against First Team opposition, something many of our current Premier League stars have experienced in their development.
“We’re pleased to be able to support in the operation of the competition and look forward to seeing the wider benefits it will bring to National League clubs.”
National League general manager Mark Ives added: “This new competition presents another exciting chapter in our partnership with the Premier League.
“Our sides will have a great opportunity to compete against some of the best academy players in the country. We’re excited to be working closer with the Premier League on the operational side of the new competition and look forward to continuing our valued partnership further.”
There is reduced admission for Latics' National League Cup fixture. Pay on the day is £5 adults, £1 Under 16s. A four-game group bundle is £15. £1 Season Ticket holder entry must be bought online or at Ticket Office. #oafc
Competition round dates: • Group stage match round 1: 1 – 2 October 2024 • Group stage match round 2: 5 - 6 November 2024 • Group stage match round 3: 3 – 4 December 2024 • Group stage match round 4: 21 – 22 January 2025 • Quarter-finals: 5 – 6 February 2025 • Semi-finals: 11 – 12 March 2025 • Final: 1 – 2 April 2025
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