Shez steps up striker search

Photo: Andrew Schofield

TWO-GOAL Tom Eaves (left) takes on the Rotherham defence in last night’s FA Youth Cup tie which Athletic won 2-0. Picture by ANDREW SCHOFIELD.

ATHLETIC are still keen to sign a striker in time for Saturday’s Coca-Cola League One fixture at Northampton Town.

Manager John Sheridan today confirmed the hunt goes on for an experienced front man.

“There is no update at the moment, but I am still hopeful of signing a player on loan and I am working to make it happen,” explained Sheridan.

Athletic are being linked strongly with a move for Doncaster’s out-of-favour Darren Byfield, having also made an inquiry for Hull City’s Dean Windass.

Former Chadderton lad Steve Jones, the Burnley and Northern Ireland international, is somebody else who has been mentioned, though I understand there is no substance in that report.

Even if Sheridan fails to bring in a player, he will still have more striking options than he had for last Saturday’s FA Cup first-round tie at Cheltenham Town.

Lee Hughes will be back in the squad after completing a one-match ban and he will challenge Lewis Alessandra and Deane Smalley, last weekend’s front pairing.

Athletic could next week have even more competition for striking spots as Chris O’Grady is due to return to Boundary Park after a one-month loan spell at Bury who have not given Athletic any indication of a desire to extend it.

Defender Richie Byrne, who ended a two-month trial with Athletic last week, is training with Scottish Premier League side Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Striker Tom Eaves was Athletic’s hero was they defeated Rotherham United 2-0 at Boundary Park in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.

The Liverpool lad scored both goals as Athletic secured a dream tie at Newcastle United.
Eaves, a first-year trainee, opened the scoring in the ninth minute after Rotherham keeper Reece Richardson could only parry a Liam Dawson free kick.

Eaves sealed victory early in the second half when he stole behind the Rotherham defence to score.

The impressive Eaves had a couple of chances to complete his hat-trick and Athletic created enough openings in the match to have triumphed by a far wider margin.