Grigg can only get better for Latics

The Northern Ireland international striker missed last weekend’s victory over Chesterfield with a hip flexor injury.

And although the injury isn’t serious, boss Gary Caldwell says it’s caused him discomfort this week.

“Will is still feeling his hip a little bit,” Caldwell told the Evening Post.

“We’ll see how he is, but we will be cautious with him.”

There is better news concerning Chris McCann, who also missed out last weekend but has recovered from a cracked toe.

“Chris has trained this week with injections and he’ll hopefully be okay,” reported Caldwell.

If Grigg does miss out, Jordy Hiwula should again lead the line after an encouraging display in the win over the Spireites.

“I thought Jordy did well against Chesterfield,” recognised the Latics boss.

“He’s been coming off the bench to such great effect and, while that’s great, it’s totally different doing it from the start of games.

“I thought he led the line well on Saturday, in a role that’s probably not best suited to him, but he did his best for the team.

“And while he didn’t score, he created opportunities for others in terms of his movement.

“And as long as the team’s scoring goals then I am happy.”

Hiwula is on a season-long loan from Huddersfield, and his form over the past month has led to suggestions he may be recalled this month by the struggling Championship club.

Caldwell, though, insists that’s definitely not the case.

“He wants to stay, he’s enjoying his time here, and he feels he’s improving as a player,” Caldwell added.

“He’s getting his opportunity here and he wants to be a part of that, which is great.

“It’s down to the player as to what happens, it’s in his hands, and he wants to be here.”

The Scot also says Latics will have to be at their best against a Crewe side who he feels are in a false position at the foot of League One.

“I’m surprised at where Crewe find themselves in the league table,” he added.

“I saw them earlier in the season against Preston, in a League Cup game, and I thought they were excellent, they didn’t deserve to lose the game.

“They are a threat, they have players high up the pitch who are very dangerous, and if you don’t concentrate then they will cause you a lot of problems.”