Athletic suffer double scare

INJURY SCARE: Stefan Stam is checked out by physio Marc Czuczman.

ATHLETIC manager John Sheridan will fulfil his promise to shake up the team in tonight’s big battle with Stockport County.

Sheridan is aiming to improve on two successive draws, but his options could be restricted by a double injury scare.

Striker Lee Hughes and centre-half Stefan Stam are both carrying knocks ahead of tonight’s game, which Athletic must win in order to overtake Leicester at the top of League One.

Hughes is still troubled by groin problems, while Stam had treatment for a knee injury during training yesterday.

Midfield man Danny Whitaker (knee) is hopeful of being fit but, with Sean Gregan suspended, Sheridan’s hand may be forced at Edgeley Park.

However, he was already planning to make changes to his unbeaten side.

The manager said: “I just think the time is right – I’m pleased with the way things are going, but we can do better.

“I’ve been leaving people out when they have trained hard all week. They probably hate me for it, but now one or two will get their chance in a derby game.”

Defender Richie Byrne, who can play at centre-half or left-back, is on red alert to make his first Athletic start.

The Irishman’s one-month contract runs out next week, but he is set to be offered new terms.

Forwards Craig Davies, Chris O’Grady and Deane Smalley are battling for recalls, while teenage midfielder Dale Stephens has a chance of being involved.

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

Stockport are virtually at full strength, although it appears unlikely that ex-Athletic defender Gareth Owen will feature.

Midfield man Jason Taylor, who started his career at Boundary Park, is back from a foot injury, James Tunnicliffe has recovered from a hamstring problem and talented winger Tommy Rowe returns from illness.

County have signed Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster on loan.

STOCKPORT (from): fon Williams, McSweeney, Mullins, Rose, McNulty, Raynes, Pilkington, Dicker, Gleeson, Turnbull, Thompson, Rowe, Baker, Vincent, Blizzard, Taylor, Tunnicliffe, Owen, Rigby, Forster.

JOHN SHERIDAN has been overlooked for the League One manager of the month award for the second time this season, the honour going to Millwall’s Kenny Jackett.