Latics rule out deal for Byrne

Richie Byrne: No new Latics deal at the moment.

RICHIE BYRNE’S injury problems are behind Athletic’s decision not to hand the defender a new short-term contract.

The 27-year-old’s second month at Boundary Park was interrupted by a recurrence of a long-standing hamstring problem.

“At the moment Richie is not being offered a contract renewal because of the uncertainty over his injury as he has had long-term problems with his hamstring,” explained chief executive Alan Hardy.

He added that Byrne has not indicated whether he will stay and try to win a new deal when he regains fitness.

Athletic are still short of central defensive cover, though Stefan Stam is back in training after a knee injury and scheduled for a reserve-team appearance on Tuesday at Blackburn Rovers.

Athletic manager John Sheridan has until 12 noon tomorrow to sign a striker who will be eligible to play in Saturday’s FA Cup first-round tie at Cheltenham Town.

The problem is that clubs are unwilling to have their players cup-tied in case they need them in future rounds.

Athletic will be without the suspended Lee Hughes while Craig Davies and Chris O’Grady are out on loan and have been given permission to play for Stockport and Bury respectively in the FA Cup.

Athletic are still waiting to hear from Preston North End whether they can play on-loan Brett Ormerod. In the event of him also being ruled out, which is a distinct possibility, Sheridan would probably have to go with youngsters Lewis Alessandra and Deane Smalley as his makeshift strike duo.

Cheltenham are also facing a selection dilemma as they have eight players on loan and manager Martin Allen is anxiously waiting to see how many of them will be permitted to play against Athletic.

Allen, like Sheridan, has a shortage of strikers as Paul Connor was the only one available for last Saturday’s defeat by Leeds United.

Athletic fans intending to travel to Cheltenham are reminded they will save £2 if they purchase their tickets from Boundary Park.

The advance prices are £19 for adults, £12 for over-65s and students with a valid card and £7 for under-16s.

Athletic triumphed 3-0 at Fleetwood Town last night in the first round of the FA Youth Cup.

Ryan Brooke gave Athletic a first-half lead and strikes from Liam Dawson and David Williams in the second period sealed victory and a second-round tie at home to Rotherham.