Shez hopes for Hughes boost

SCOTT GOLBOURNE: Set for Latics debut.

JOHN SHERIDAN is confident Lee Hughes will reject a move to Doncaster Rovers and remain at Boundary Park to spearhead Athletic’s bid for promotion.

The Athletic manager believes the 32-year-old striker is going nowhere during the January transfer window, despite the player being given permission to speak to Doncaster after the two clubs are believed to have discussed a fee.

Sheridan said: “I have made it clear I want Lee Hughes to stay and he won’t be going anywhere as far as I am concerned. It is no secret Doncaster have made offers for Lee and everyone knows of the release clause in his contract. I have had a chat with Lee and he made it clear he is happy here. I want him to stay and concentrate on getting back to what he does best, which is scoring goals for us.”

Doncaster manager Sean O’Driscoll has confirmed Hughes, who has been offered a new two-year contract by Athletic which would make him their highest-paid player, is available for the “right price” but they won’t make a bid until personal terms have been agreed.

“It’s ongoing and it looks as if it will be ongoing until the death,” explained O’Driscoll.

That is highly unsatisfactory for Athletic who would have precious little time to bring in a replacement if Hughes leaves at the end of the transfer window.

It is understood Athletic will be seeking clarification from Hughes whether he intends to stay at Boundary Park for the remainder of his contract, which expires in June.

Sheridan is set to make changes for tomorrow’s derby against Stockport County at Boundary Park from the side which was hammered at Hereford last Saturday.

New loan signing Scott Golbourne will make his debut at left-back with Kelvin Lomax set to switch to the right to replace Neal Eardley who serves a one-match ban.

Mark Allott looks likely to win back a starting spot in the centre of midfield, while players like Kieran Lee, Andy Liddell and Craig Davies could also be in the frame for a place.

The Athletic manager is looking for a positive response from his players after losing 5-0 at Hereford.

He said: “We should not lose sight of all the good things we have achieved and on our day we are a match for any team in our division.

“It is a great opportunity to put things right against Stockport, who are a very good footballing side. It is a local derby and there will be a big crowd and it is a game we are looking forward to.”

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