Last chance to stake a claim

Demar Phillips: Manager Sheridan is eager to secure long-term deal

MEMBERS of John Sheridan’s first-team squad will be granted their last chance to shine in pre-season when Athletic take a strong side to Ashton United tonight.

Sheridan has warned that places are up for grabs as he prepares to finalise his team for the first match of the league campaign – and a number of potential starters are set to play at Hurst Cross.

Athletic’s squad features defender Stefan Stam, goalkeeper Greg Fleming, midfield man Danny Whitaker and forwards Deane Smalley and Lewis Alessandra.

They will also include JP Kalala, who remains at the club despite being available on a free transfer, Dale Stephens, John Thompson and Kieran Lee.

Thompson and Lee are stepping up their comebacks from injury, with Thompson particularly short of games after enduring long-term knee problems.

Lee, a summer signing from Manchester United, was forced to miss a chunk of pre-season when he suffered hamstring damage.

The League One season gets under way on Saturday when Athletic are at home to Millwall. The first away trip is to Leeds (August 16), with a Carling Cup tie at Rochdale sandwiched in between next Tuesday.

Tonight’s hastily arranged friendly against Ashton, who play in the Unibond League, kicks off at 7.45.

Admission is £5 (adults) or £3 (juniors and OAPs).

Athletic are still trying to reach a deal with Stoke City over the signing of international winger Demar Phillips

The Jamaican has appeared in four pre-season matches and Sheridan is eager to secure him on a long-term loan.

Striker Craig Davies and full-back Neal Eardley have been called into the Wales under-21 squad for their upcoming clash with Romania.

Davies (22) is included as an over-age player, while Eardley (19) is a regular for his country at both under-21 and senior level.

Wales meet Romania on Wednesday, August 20 at Wrexham. The date does not clash with any Athletic fixtures.

Other names in the squad include new Arsenal signing Aaron Ramsey, Tottenham’s Gareth Bale and Wolves pair Wayne Hennessey and Sam Vokes.

A day after announcing JD Sports as their new kit sponsors – the name of Carbrini Sportswear will appear on shirts – Athletic are set to finalise another important sponsorship deal.