Sheridan faces selection poser

SEAN GREGAN: Taken off at half time in the cup tie.

ATHLETIC manager John Sheridan is grappling with a series of selection dilemmas ahead of the weekend match at Northampton.

Sheridan watched two highly contrasting performances in Saturday’s FA Cup draw with Cheltenham, where his side were woeful for 45 minutes but fought back after he altered both personnel and system.

One of the main issues could surround captain Sean Gregan, who was taken off at the break with Athletic trailing 2-0.

They kept a second-half clean sheet with Stefan Stam and Reuben Hazell in central defence, so Gregan may find it difficult to hold his place in the starting XI.

Gregan moved to Boundary Park from Leeds just over two years ago and, when fit and available, he has been a near-automatic choice.

Athletic’s coaching staff, however, have acknowledged that the 34-year-old is suffering from a dip in form.

Another question facing Sheridan is over the system he should adopt on Saturday.

Athletic’s dismal first half at Cheltenham came with his favoured 4-4-2, but they turned the game around by switching to three central midfield players.

Substitute Kevin Maher impressed with his defensive qualities after joining Mark Allott and Danny Whitaker.

And assistant manager Tommy Wright confirmed that Maher, whose last start was in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy over two months ago, had pushed his claims for a recall.

Wright said: “He went on against a strong physical side and helped us to shade it in midfield.

“Kevin is a good, experienced player who can do that sort of thing very well, he has just had to wait for his chance.

“The form of Mark Allott and Danny Whitaker has probably made things more difficult for him, but maybe those two have done so well because they know Kevin is sitting on the bench.

“That’s what competition is all about, and it’s a nice thing to have – last season the team picked itself.”

Athletic will go to Northampton seeking their first point in four league away games.

A new striker could be in their ranks, but there has been no progress towards completing any signings.

Athletic’s youngsters take centre stage at Boundary Park tonight in the FA Youth Cup second round.

They meet Rotherham with a 7pm kick-off, and the winners will be away to Newcastle United. Admission is £4 and £2.