Latics weigh up goalkeeper options

DARRYL FLAHAVAN: Coming to the end of his loan spell.

ATHLETIC are playing a waiting game over the goalkeeping spot.

On-loan number one Darryl Flahavan is approaching the end of his second month at the club and has performed impressively in difficult circumstances, gaining a first clean sheet in the 2-0 home win over Exeter City three weeks ago.

Talks are taking place between Athletic officials and their counterparts at Palace and it is currently unclear whether the 30-year-old will remain at Boundary Park for a third month when his loan expires after the Coca-Cola League One clash at Hartlepool on Saturday.

Should a deal to extend Flahavan’s loan spell not come off, Athletic manager Dave Penney could recall the out-of-favour Dean Brill.

Signed from Luton Town in the summer, the 24-year-old had a troubled start to his Athletic career and hasn’t played since being deemed culpable for Huddersfield’s free-kick winner at Boundary Park on November 1.

However, he has reportedly been impressive in training and could be thrust back into first-team action soon.

Another option for Penney is to enact a recall clause in the season-long loan of Greg Fleming when the transfer window re-opens in the New Year.

The 23-year-old ‘keeper has made 18 appearances for Scottish Division One side Dunfermline Athletic. But he hasn’t played since mid-November and is currently sidelined after suffering a dislocated finger.

Athletic’s goalkeeping coach Andy Collett has kept tabs on Fleming’s progress but the club will not bring him back until he is fully fit.

One player whose loan spell has already expired is Paul Heffernan and, with the imminent return of leading scorer Pawel Abbott from injury, it could be that Penney opts to reinforce other positions in his side rather than renew the deal for the Doncaster man.