Most of Eardley’s career has been spent at right-back – the position he also plays at full international level for Wales – but he recently added a new string to his bow after pushing into midfield.
The switch lasted for four games, with Athletic winning three of them and Eardley hitting two superb goals in the weekend victory against Crewe.
Sheridan has been impressed, and he said his experiment with the 19-year-old may not be finished.
“Neal has given me something to think about,” Sheridan acknowledged. “I might have another look at him when we come back for pre-season.
“He did very well the first time he played in midfield (at home to Leyton Orient) and then he has come up with two really excellent goals.
“Midfield is a hard position to learn because you’ve got to do things a lot quicker and you are pressurised.
“Neal has done okay there and we’ve got Kelvin Lomax to play at right-back, which is his natural position, so these are all things to consider.”
Eardley is already approaching 100 senior appearances and was thought to be Athletic’s youngest ever captain when, at the age of 18, he took the armband for part of last season.
He last played in midfield while at the Boundary Park Centre of Excellence but admits he has enjoyed his recent move.
A call into the Wales under-21 squad is likely to see Eardley revert to defence for the game against England, staged at Wrexham, next week.
Meanwhile, Athletic are reminding fans that large discounts are available on season tickets purchased before the May 29 deadline.
Buyers at the ticket office need to pay by cash or cheque, but credit and debit cards can be used at the online facility, which is accessed via the club website.
Season-ticket prices have been frozen, while tickets in the Rochdale Road End include an extra £20 discount.
