Sheridan set to show his hand

Demar Phillips: No deal yet.

MANAGER John Sheridan is likely to reveal his hand tomorrow when Athletic tackle their last friendly of the pre-season programme.

The game at Bradford City will see less experimentation with players and systems as Sheridan prepares for the League One curtain-raiser at home to Millwall.

Sheridan has admitted that the starting XI at Bradford will be very close – or maybe identical – to the team he intends to name seven days later.

And there are some tough decisions for the Boundary Park boss, whose only absentees are Matt Wolfenden (thigh strain) and Lee Hughes (broken little toe).

Sheridan’s first issue is the goalkeeping position as Greg Fleming has been showing impressive form in his bid to oust Mark Crossley from the number-one spot.

Sheridan also has options in defence, on the wings and up front, while he admits Mark Allott, Kevin Maher and Danny Whitaker are heading the chase for two places in midfield.

It is unclear, however, if tomorrow’s match will feature Demar Phillips, who has been training with Athletic for the last two weeks.

Phillips has done well in friendlies against Grimsby, Derby and Hull, but no deal has been agreed with Stoke to sign him on long-term loan.

The Jamaican international slotted in at left-back – viewed as a problem position by Sheridan – for half of Tuesday’s draw with Hull.

Chris Taylor and Kelvin Lomax have also been given the job in pre-season, while Athletic continue to seek new cover.

Sheridan said: “I still think we need more balance in the squad, even though I’ve got Chris Taylor, Danny Whitaker, Kelvin Lomax and maybe Demar Phillips to play on the left.

“I’m not saying I’m struggling, but I’ve asked about one or two left-backs because Kelvin, although he’s a really excellent footballer, worries me a bit defensively.”

Admission to the Bradford match (3pm) costs £10 for adults or £5 for over-60s and under-16s.

Bradford are the pre-season favourites to top League Two after signing experienced performers such as Graeme Lee (Doncaster), Michael Boulding (Mansfield), Chris Brandon (Huddersfield) and Paul McLaren (Tranmere).

Athletic have arranged a friendly for their reserves at Ashton United next Tuesday (7.45 kick-off).