Defender swoop delights Sheridan

JOHN SHERIDAN believes he has snapped up an “excellent” addition to his squad in the shape of defender Daniel Jones.

The left-back joined Athletic from Wolves late on Friday afternoon and went straight into the team against Stockport County.

Jones is currently on a one-month loan deal and has gained experience with both Wolves in the Championship and Northampton in League One.

Athletic lost their unbeaten record at Stockport, but Sheridan praised Jones (21) for his encouraging debut.

The manager said: “I’ve been after Daniel for a while and I was very pleased with him. I thought he was excellent.

“He’s a player I’ve always liked and, with Chris Taylor in front of him, we were a massive threat down the left-hand side.

“Daniel has played against us for Northampton, so I knew he had good delivery and would give us balance.

“He’s positive in the way he plays. He’s comfortable on the ball, has great energy and anybody watching him could see he’s a good player.”

Jones has made 11 appearances for Wolves, including one this season, after coming through the Molineux youth system.

He spent much of last term on loan at Northampton, helping the Cobblers complete a league double over Athletic.

Sheridan made his latest signing after suffering an injury blow in defence, with Stefan Stam ruled out by knee-ligament problems.

Stam was hurt in training on Thursday and Athletic should discover the extent of the damage today

They are also without Sean Gregan, who misses one more game through suspension, while Neal Eardley will be absent from Sunday’s match against Hereford at Boundary Park (2pm kick-off).

Eardley is away with Wales under-21s for their European Championship play-off against England.

However, there is a positive update on striker Lee Hughes after he missed out at Stockport.

Hughes has been troubled by a groin injury, but he is expected to return to the starting line-up against Hereford.