Fabio waits for Latics chance

Fabio Ferreira: Keen to make a mark.

ATHLETIC’S new loan signing, Fabio Ferreira, is unlikely to be pitched straight into action for tomorrow’s home game with Bristol Rovers.

The Portuguese midfield player from Chelsea has joined Athletic for a month after impressing Boundary Park coaching staff during a secret trial the week before last.

And they saw enough of the under-19 international to want to take a closer look at the player who has been at Stamford Bridge for the last four years.

Chelsea were also happy for Ferreira, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Pensioners, to come out on loan to hopefully gain some league experience.

Ferreira (19) who spent three years at top Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon before his move to Chelsea, is looking forward to the challenge.

He said: “I am very happy to sign and hopefully I can get some first-team experience and help the club.

“I have been fortunate to train with some of the best players in the world at Chelsea and I am very proud to have been able to work with them. I have learned a lot from training with them.

“I enjoyed my trial at Oldham. The lads were very good to me and there are some good players. The football was enjoyable, and that is why I came.”

Ferreira, who is likely to make his debut in a friendly at Crewe on Wednesday (1pm) was today joined by Daniel Jones, who returned from Wolves to begin a second loan spell at Boundary Park.

And with John Sheridan extending the stay of Reading left-back Scott Golbourne for another month, he finds himself with six loan players as Athletic’s owners continue to back the Athletic manager.

Also at Boundary Park temporarily are Hartlepool goalkeeper Jan Budtz, Middlesbrough defender Seb Hines and Hull City striker Dean Windass.

The problem which confronts Sheridan is that he is unable to play six loan players together. A maximum of five are permitted in a 16-strong matchday squad.

After drawing at Yeovil on Saturday, Sheridan stresses the importance of beating Bristol Rovers tomorrow night.

The Athletic manager viewed it as a lost opportunity after failing to win at Huish Park where he says the game was there for the taking.

“Tomorrow is a game we must win. If we take four points from the two games it won’t make Saturday’s result look so bad,” he declared.