Sheridan close to striker deal

STEFAN STAM: back in the squad.

JOHN SHERIDAN has revealed he is “90-per-cent guaranteed” to end his striker search next week.

The Boundary Park boss has a new signing lined up to give Athletic, who have slipped to three defeats in four league games, a welcome boost to their squad.

He was hoping to land a target before tomorrow’s clash with Cheltenham, but none of the players concerned were eligible for the FA Cup.

Among others, it’s understood Athletic have shown an interest in Doncaster’s Darren Byfield.

Sheridan said: “It has been difficult with clubs not wanting their players cup-tied, but I’m 90-per-cent guaranteed to get a striker in.

“I can sign him and hopefully it will happen after Saturday. Until then I’ll just get on with the players already in the squad.”

Stefan Stam and Kieran Lee are back in Athletic’s plans for tomorrow, both having regained fitness.

Defender Stam has missed the last seven games with a knee problem, while utility player Lee is hoping for his first injury-free run since joining Athletic.

However, Lee Hughes is banned, Richie Byrne has been released and it’s looking doubtful that on-loan striker Brett Ormerod will be allowed to play.

Sheridan expects a physical battle in the first-round game against League One opposition, admitting: “If we aren’t ready for a fight we might as well stay at home.

“Everyone was very disappointed by what happened against Yeovil last weekend (a 2-0 home loss), but we need to put it behind us at Cheltenham.

“They work very hard for each other and are a typical Martin Allen side who will make us defend for periods of the game.

“We’ll need to handle that and make sure we don’t concede sloppy goals – that has been our downfall over the last few weeks.

“There have been individual errors, but we are a team, we stick together and we want a decent cup run.”

Tickets are on sale at Boundary Park until 4.30 today. Prices at the turnstiles are £2 higher.

ATHLETIC (from): Crossley, Eardley, Hazell, Gregan, Jones, Liddell, Allott, Whitaker, Taylor, Alessandra, Smalley, Wolfenden, Lomax, Maher, Lee, Stam, Stephens, Ormerod, Fleming.

Cheltenham have gained permission for all of their loan signings to play, while club captain John Finnigan is back from injury.

Latics defender John Thompson has extended his loan deal at Notts County until January 3.