Midfield ace gives LJ another option

Photo: Picture: DARREN ROBINSON.

OUT TO IMPRESS . . . Daniel Johnson believes he can make a significant impact during his two-month loan with Athletic.

DANIEL Johnson has boosted Athletic's attacking options by signing a two-month loan deal.

Aston Villa’s forward-minded midfield man (22) will play for Oldham until January 5.

Athletic's manager Lee Johnson said: "I'm pleased to get him. It will be difficult to pick a team now. We have a host of midfielders playing well and competing for only a few spots.

“It’s a nice problem to have. Our squad is a lot stronger than it has been for years."

Jamaican Daniel Johnson started in Crystal Palace's youth ranks before moving to the academy at Villa Park.

There his effort earned a first-team call-up four years ago, but he has still to make it on to the pitch for Villa in a Premier League match.

While at Chesterfield, Johnson became a popular figure with supporters during the club's positive start to the current campaign.

His current contract at Villa expires at the end of this season and he comes into consideration for Athletic's home clash with Crawley on Saturday (1pm kick-off).

He said: “I’m looking forward to showing my qualities to the Oldham fans.”



CARL Winchester is in line for a call-up to the full Northern Ireland squad for their UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier in Romania on Friday night.

The Belfast-born 21 year old could get his chance at the National Arena in Bucharest as Michael O'Neill's side, top of Group 'F', chase a fourth straight victory.