Hughes hints at extending stay

LEE HUGHES: Could be a key figure in Athletic’s promotion push.

TALISMANIC striker Lee Hughes has revealed he wants to play in the Championship with Athletic next season.

Hughes, who is poised to make his comeback against Hereford this weekend, has no doubts that the current Boundary Park squad is equipped for promotion.

The 32-year-old will be out of contract next summer but gave a strong hint that his stay with Athletic could be extended.

Hughes – itching to get back in the side after missing last Friday’s defeat at Stockport – is likely to be a crucial figure in the push to escape League One.

He said: “Everybody is ambitious to get up there, including me, and I think we’ve got a great chance this season.

“The best time to look at the league isn’t until Christmas, but I want to play in the Championship and I want to do it with Oldham.

“I’ve been there before and I think we’re good enough, especially if the experienced players can stay fit.

“It’s a tight league so I can’t see there being an out-and-out winner, but we’ve definitely got the ability.

“Three points against Hereford would obviously help, and none of the lads should be too down about the result at Stockport.

“The older players have been picking the younger ones up – you can’t stay unbeaten all season so it’s still a confident dressing room.”

Hughes has been troubled by a groin injury, but he explained: “They are little niggles and I’m working with the physio to strengthen it.

“We’ve been cautious because I’d be out for six weeks if my groin went, but missing the Stockport game should mean I’m all right for Sunday.

“I enjoy training and I just want to be fit, playing games and scoring goals.

“I’ve done quite well to score five this season, but that’s down to the team creating chances for me.”

Athletic are third in the table ahead of this weekend’s fixtures and boast an unbeaten record at Boundary Park.

Sunday’s clash with Hereford, who are bottom, kicks off at 2pm.

Scans have revealed that Stefan Stam will be out for up to three weeks after suffering knee-ligament damage in training.

Meanwhile, Athletic’s reserves defeated Mansfield Town 2-1 at Boundary Park through first-half goals from Dale Stephens and Matty Wolfenden after they had fallen behind to a third-minute effort from Anthony Robinson.

The Athletic team also included senior players Greg Fleming, Kevin Maher, John Thompson, Deane Smalley, J P Kalala and Chris O’Grady.