Faith in Forte

goal-getter: Jonathan Forte hasn’t scored for Athletic since celebrating this effort against Bradford City on October 25.

STAR striker Jonathan Forte has been backed to end his mini-drought against the club it all started at for him.

Athletic’s 11-goal hit man has endured a run of three games without finding the net, but manager Lee Johnson says that with better service he would have registered twice against Crawley last week.

It’s down to both the top scorer and his team-mates to remedy the situation at Bramall Lane tomorrow, as Athletic aim to cut down the Blades to record a first league win since Forte last struck, against Bradford on October 25.

“He has been superb since he came in and we have talked about things,” said Johnson of his prolific summer signing.

“I took him off at half-time against Crawley and told him I would watch the DVD. He felt he wasn’t getting the service and I felt he wasn’t moving enough. We were both right.

“On the day both he and Jabo Ibehre were on their heels and reactive, rather than scheming.

“It was why, given the fact Crawley were so deep, his pace wasn’t effective on the day.

“But he will be looking forward to Sheffield United and will be up for it on the day.

“Hopefully, there will be a nice story there for everyone.”

To get the best out of Forte — who spent four years at Bramall Lane — Johnson hinted Athletic might need different tactics.

Whatever the formation tomorrow, the task is to make best use of his searing pace.

With the loan deadline looming next Thursday, Johnson said one player might depart on loan and Athletic are still in the market in a couple of positions.

Rhys Turner is the only injury worry right now, with Amari Morgan-Smith close to returning. Johnson hinted there could be a place in the side soon for goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, possibly for a two or three-game burst.

“He has done very well so I’m edging towards having a look at him,” he said. “He is certainly knocking on the door.”