Fit-again Lee bids to fulfil promise

NEW Athletic left-back Lee Hills is keen to make up for lost time.

The on-loan Crystal Palace defender made his debut in the FA Cup loss to Leeds and is set to keep his place for the tricky trip to Gillingham this weekend.

Having made 28 appearances under Palace boss Neil Warnock in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, injury concerns have scuppered the promising Hills' progress this year.

With another ex-Athletic loan man and almost-namesake Clint Hill in front of him in the pecking order at Selhurst Park, the 19-year-old arrived with enthusiasm at Boundary Park along with club-mate and goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, and produced a solid debut performance on his debut.

"I played a lot last year, but due to injuries I haven't managed to do so this time," said Hills, who had a brief two-match spell at Colchester on loan last season.

"I am looking forward to getting out there, taking the atmosphere and taking in some games.

"I asked a few people about Oldham before I arrived here and heard that the team plays good football under a good manager and that the lads are a decent bunch."

Hills is effectively a straight swop for Alan Sheehan, now back with Leeds after two months on loan at Athletic.

Whether he stays on beyond the initial one month, which takes in a busy period of matches against Gillingham, Colchester, Walsall, Leeds and Norwich, remains to be seen.

"Hopefully it will happen," Hills added. "I just want to get some games in, do well and hopefully get the team into the play-offs and possibly higher.

"I know I will enjoy it. It will be out of my hands whether I stay, but for now I just want to get some matches under my belt."