By @LaticsOfficial

Shaun Maloney | Accrington Stanley (A) Preview

Shaun Maloney sits down with Latics TV to preview the Club's opening pre-season fixture at Accrington Stanley

  • Shaun Maloney | Accrington Stanley (A) Preview
  • The Latics Manager previews the Club's opening pre-season fixture at the WHAM Stadium
  • Maloney provides an in-depth update on Michael Olakigbe, who will miss up to 12 weeks with a fractured fibula 

Shaun Maloney was naturally disappointed to learn that Michael Olakigbe will miss up to 12 weeks with a fractured fibula. 

Latics' first summer signing unfortunately sustained an innocuous injury whilst training and Maloney expressed he will support the winger throughout his road to recovery.

Speaking to Latics TV ahead of their opening pre-season fixture, Maloney said: 

“It’s devastating for Michael. It was really innocuous, and just a coming together between two players. We’re disappointed for Michael - he made a big push to come here - and it’s really bad luck.

“He made a big commitment to spend the year with us, and it’s really bad timing. It’s one of those things in football, and I’ve spoken to him a lot in the last few days.

“He now needs to work very hard to come back a better player. That has to be the mindset. He’s a brilliant boy, and I’ll help him in the next few months."

Following an intense warm-weather training camp in Hungary, Latics will begin their pre-season games programme at Accrington Stanley on Saturday afternoon, looking to prepare in the best way possible for the 2024/25 Sky Bet League One campaign. 

It will be an invaluable test against the Sky Bet League Two outfit, and Maloney revealed that plenty of young players - including Jack Reilly, Kai Payne, and U18 second-year scholar Elijah Igiehon - will get an opportunity to shine throughout Latics' upcoming pre-season friendlies. 

“I appreciate Accrington for their help in the last 24 hours. We wanted the 2x60 minutes but we can’t do it with how small our squad is.

“I appreciate John Doolan for allowing us to go back to two 45-minute halves, and everyone will play.

“We’ve got some talented young players - Elijah (Igiehon), Jack Reilly, and I’ve spoken about Kai Payne for a long time.

“They are first-team players - we’ve got (Harry) McHugh, (James) Carragher and Joe Adams coming back - and they’ll all get their opportunity in this game and every game moving forward.

“It’s our first game. This time last year, we had it in Hungary. We tried to get one this year but it was really difficult with the EUROS. 

“I am looking forward to it. They are the best time. When we’re doing tactical work, and specific things in both boxes, it’s the friendlies when you see the work.

“Let’s see what the boys have got. We’ll mix the team, as it would be unfair to have one team with just young players. I don’t expect any drop off in how the team plays.”