O’Grady stakes claim for place

CHRIS O’GRADY: In good from since his return from loan at Bury.

ATHLETIC striker Chris O’Grady staked a further claim for a first-team recall at Walsall last night.

The former Rotherham frontman, who has started only four games for John Sheridan’s side this season, was instrumental in the reserves’ 2-1 win in the Central League Cup tie.

It was from O’Grady’s powerful shot that Athletic went ahead, the ball cannoning back off the underside of the crossbar before being turned in by Dale Stephens.

The 22-year-old’s physical presence caused Walsall problems all night. He went close with a header and fired wide before forcing the Saddlers’ ’keeper to save an angled drive.

The experienced duo of leading scorer Lee Hughes and on-loan Darren Byfield are almost certain to spearhead Athletic’s attack in Saturday’s Coca-Cola League One clash at home to Brighton.

But the form of O’Grady since his return from a six-match loan spell at Bury — he scored two goals for the reserves against Huddersfield Town last week — gives Sheridan another option in attack as his side seek a fourth straight league win.

There were plenty of plus points for Sheridan last night.

Young sharp-shooter Deane Smalley came through unscathed after recovering from a hip injury — he struck a post with a curling effort — while midfield man Stephens added a second goal from the penalty spot after Lewis Alessandra had been tripped.

The only sour note was a shoulder injury sustained by the trialist, which forced the striker off the field in the first half.

Meanwhile, Paul Black will find out later today whether he requires an operation to cure an ankle problem.

The defender has been out of action for seven weeks after breaking down in training.

An initial scan came back clear, but Black has felt some discomfort in his rehabilitation, which prompted another look.

TICKETS arrangements for Athletic’s league match at Huddersfield Town on Saturday, January 3, will be announced tomorrow.