Sheridan keen to add to squad

ATHLETIC are preparing to make further forays into the transfer market in a bid to improve their promotion prospects.

John Sheridan has revealed he is keen to add to his squad before the transfer window shuts at five o’clock on Monday.

The Athletic manager, who in the last month has brought in Dean Windass and Scott Golbourne on loan, admitted he will have to perform a juggling act with his financial budget. That will, in all probability, mean allowing players to leave in order to provide the scope.

Sheridan said: “I am still looking for new faces and ideally would like to bring in one or two players.

“I know my budget and it may be a case that we have to move players out before we can bring more in. I am not looking for anybody in particular. All I know is that they must have quality and be able to come in and improve us as a team.”

The prospects of Athletic striker Craig Davies leaving Boundary Park, which would have helped Sheridan manoeuvre in the transfer market, appear to have been dashed.

Brighton, who had enquired about Davies, yesterday signed 22-year-old front man Calvin Andrew on loan from Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season.

Athletic central defender Reuben Hazell will be walking a disciplinary tightrope in tomorrow’s home Coca-Cola League One match against Swindon Town.

Hazell picked up a ninth booking of the season at Scunthorpe United in midweek and reaching 10 will trigger a two-match ban.

Sheridan is likely to resist the temptation to make changes following the midweek defeat at Glanford Park.

The manager believes Athletic’s home form will be “vital” in their bid for promotion, adding they need to beat Swindon and Bristol Rovers in the next four days to remain on course for a top-six spot.

“I know the points tally which I think will get us into the plays-offs, which is what we are aiming for. Anything else is would be a bonus,” he explained.

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

Swindon are likely to be unchanged from midweek when they defeated Walsall 3-2 to give new manager Danny Wilson his first victory since taking charge on Boxing Day.