JON WORTHINGTON is back on Town duty tomorrow with boss Peter Jackson denying rumours of his skipper moving to Wigan but backing him to lead the way to a home derby victory over Oldham (3.00).
Along with right-back and fellow Town Academy product Andy Holdsworth, Worthington missed last Saturday's 3-1 loss at Blackpool because of a one-game ban.
The 23-year-old - said by some to be a likely target of Premiership Wigan during the January transfer window - will bolster the midfield against John Sheridan's in-form Latics, who are in seventh and seeking a fourth straight League I win.
Jackson's side are 11th and desperate for the first victory in five matches in all competitions which would put them just two points behind their trans-Pennine rivals.
With fans not having seen a home success since Carlisle were beaten 2-1 five Galpharm games ago, the manager is doubly determined to go into a 10-day break from action (because of FA Cup elimination) on the back of a three-point haul.
And the boss, who must decide whether to revert to 4-4-2 or stick with a 4-5-1 system which is unpopular with many supporters, says Worthington can play a key role.
"Jon was troubled by injury at the start of the season, but since getting sorted out, he's been much ore like his old self," said Jackson.
"I thought we missed his midfield bite at Blackpool, and I'm delighted both he and Andy Holdsworth, another player I right very highly, are available for selection."
