Stam set to win cup-tie call-up

Stefan Stam (left): Poised for his first start of the season at Burnley.

STEFAN STAM could make his first start of the season when Athletic tackle Burnley in the Carling Cup tonight.

Captain Sean Gregan is struggling to shake off a minor injury, leaving Stam on red alert to take over at the heart of defence.

The 28-year-old Dutchman – Athletic’s longest-serving first-team player – has had to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench this term.

He saw an hour of action at Rochdale in the cup first round but is expected to be among several changes made by Athletic as they test themselves at a Championship venue.

Although John Sheridan’s men have won their first three league games, the likes of Stam, Chris O’Grady, Kevin Maher, Deane Smalley and Greg Fleming are all hoping for a chance to impress at Turf Moor.

Sheridan said: “I’m going to move things around because I’ve got people who need to come in and play football.

“There are 20 players who I’ve got to keep focused and ready. That’s not easy, but the Burnley game will be an opportunity for some of them.

“I’m sure there are lads who haven’t played much football this season and are calling me all sorts of names under their breath.

“We have good players who aren’t even on the bench, but they will all be needed at some point so I want to get them involved.

“Whatever team I put out is going to be strong because I want to beat Burnley and make sure we keep winning for as long as possible.

“I’m very pleased with the way things are going – the attitude of the players has been good – and it’s important to stay positive.”

Seven substitutes are allowed in the Carling Cup, although Sheridan only named five at Rochdale as he felt there was no point involving other players.

Striker Craig Davies completes a three-match ban tonight and will be eligible for Athletic’s league game at Colchester on Saturday.

ATHLETIC (from): Crossley, Eardley, Hazell, Gregan, Lomax, Liddell, Allott, Whitaker, Taylor, Alessandra, Hughes, Stam, Maher, Smalley, O’Grady, Stephens, Lee, Thompson, Fleming, Bell.

BURNLEY (from): Jensen, Kalvenes, Carlisle, Caldwell, Duff, McDonald, Alexander, McCann, Elliott, Paterson, Eagles, Blake, Akinbiyi, Gudjonsson, Jordan, Mahon, MacDonald, Van der Schaaf, Penny.