High hopes for Aaron

GROUNDED . . . Aaron Amadi-Holloway

ATHLETIC could weigh up throwing Aaron Amadi-Holloway back into the fray against favoured opposition, as the club seek to try avoiding taking the fight against relegation to the final day of the season.

Amadi-Holloway has missed the last two outings after being taken off with a recurrence of a hamstring problem in the 2-0 win over Fleetwood.

Manager John Sheridan, who welcomes back another striker Michael Ngoo to the squad after he served a one-match suspension, said that he is hopeful that Amadi-Holloway would be passed fit and ready to take on a Rochdale side he scored two superb goals against last season while on loan - still the physical forward's only goals for the club.

Anthony Gerrard, who pulled a hamstring in the warm-up before the last home game against Bolton, may also be ready to take on a Dale side still gunning for the play-offs. However, Sheridan may be loathe to drop teenager Jamie Stott after he showed up remarkably well in his first two professional appearances across three days last weekend.

Paul Green and Ousmane Fane were both rested at Bristol but could return in favour of Ryan Flynn and Aiden O'Neill, in order to feature in a midfield three that did so well last time out at SportsDirect.com Park against Bolton.

"I hope Aaron will be fit and Anthony might be fit as well," said Sheridan.

"I gave one or two a game at Bristol Rovers and you could see that one or two might have been rusty due to a lack of football.

"So we go into the game and we want to try and win it. It's a big one for us and a derby as well, so we are looking for three points."

Bury's midweek draw at Bolton means that a win for Athletic over Dale on Saturday will ensure the club stay up to compete in Sky Bet League One for a 21st consecutive season.

For Rochdale, the challenge is to break down a robust defence - the third-best in the division, after Fleetwood and Bradford - with only two goals let in at home in the last seven games.

RESTED

"I rested one or two at Bristol Rovers and we just didn't get going," said Sheridan.

"Our home form has been excellent though and we want to win against Rochdale.

"Get something from the game and it makes sure we are definitely in this division."

ATHLETIC fans have been urged to stay off the pitch at the end of the final home match of the season against Rochdale.

All players and staff will then come back out to thank supporters for their efforts across the campaign.

"We ask that fans do not spoil it for each other and remain in the stands so manager John Sheridan and his players can show their appreciation to you," the club said in a statement.

"Any individual who encroaches onto the field of play will be in breach of league regulations and could face a potential banning order."