Shez backing for O’Grady

ATHLETIC manager John Sheridan has reassured Chris O’Grady he is part of his long-term plans.

O’Grady was sent on loan to Bury just two months into his first season at Boundary Park, but he has had a positive impact since returning.

The 22-year-old striker went on as a substitute against Walsall on Tuesday night and helped to create Athletic’s winning goal in the 89th minute.

He also scored twice in a reserve game the following day, and Sheridan is pleased to have the summer signing – who cost around £30,000 from Rotherham – back on board.

He said: “Obviously I let Chris go out on loan, but I’ve told him there’s no way I was trying to get rid of him.

“That wasn’t the case at all. I just felt he needed more football than he was getting here and, although he didn’t play as much as I would have liked, he got that with Bury.

“He got a few games under his belt and and it was good to see him go on for us (against Walsall) and provide that extra cutting edge.

“A few times this season our subs have changed the game, which is just what you want – it’s what having a squad is all about.”

O’Grady has made four starts for Athletic, plus nine appearances from the bench. At Bury he played six games during his one-month loan spell.

The former Leicester man is behind Lee Hughes and Darren Byfield in Athletic’s pecking order, while Lewis Alessandra, Matt Wolfenden and Deane Smalley provide further competition.

Meanwhile, the deadline for loan signings passed without incident at Boundary Park yesterday.

Loans are now banned until the start of January, although existing arrangements – such as Byfield’s deal from Doncaster – can be extended.

Elsewhere in League One, leaders Leicester recruited midfield man Mark Davies from Wolves, while Colchester signed former Athletic youngster Marc Tierney from Shrewsbury.

Left-back Tierney was the Shrews’ player of the year last term and had been ever-present this season.

Leeds have suffered a blow with the news that 19-goal top scorer Jermaine Beckford will be out for at least a month through injury.