Latics move for loan left-back

MARK ALLOTT (left): Back after serving a suspension.

ATHLETIC’S hopes of bringing in a left-back on loan in time for tomorrow’s Coca-Cola League One fixture at Hereford United appear to have been dashed.

Manager John Sheridan has still not given up hope, however, of landing the young player, who is believed to be on the books of a Premier League club.

Sheridan was confident yesterday he had secured the loan of the player, saying he was waiting for one telephone call before the move could be finalised.

But it seems that things have not moved on as quickly as the manager hoped they would.

Meanwhile, Wolves have shelved their interest in signing Chris Taylor after yesterday completing a deal for West Ham winger Kyle Reid on loan for the remainder of the season.

Manager Mick McCarthy will continue to monitor the progress of Taylor, who is still attracting interest from other clubs.

Sheridan has a midfield conundrum to solve before finalising his side for tomorrow’s game at Edgar Street.

Mark Allott returns to the squad after completing a one-match ban while Kieran Lee is also recalled after recovering from illness.

“I was happy with the midfield against Hartlepool when Danny Whitaker and Kevin Maher were our two best players,” explained the Athletic manager.

As it promises to be a physical battle at Hereford, don’t be surprised to see Allott brought back, with Whitaker switched wide right as happened in their last away game at Huddersfield.

Allott and Lee return to an 18-strong squad while young midfield player Dale Stephens, who has picked up a knock to his hip, drops out.

Sheridan is anticipating a difficult afternoon as The Bulls need the points in their battle against relegation.

“They are a decent side and have had one or two good results so it is by no means a foregone conclusion. We will have to scrap for it,” he declared.

Hereford have not played in 2009 but in their last game they were unlucky to lose 2-1 away to runaway leaders Leicester City.

ATHLETIC (from): Fleming, Eardley, Lomax, Hazell, Gregan, Stam, Whitaker, Liddell, Smalley, Maher, Allott, Lee, Taylor, Hughes, Windass, Davies, Alessandra, Bell.

Injury-jinxed Latics striker Matty Wolfenden’s bad luck continues as he has picked up a thigh strain to add to a catalogue of injuries which have limited his opportunities this season.