Decision time on loan deals

DANIEL NARDIELLO (left): Under treatment at Blackpool.

DECISION time is fast approaching for Athletic’s management team, with the deadline for loan transfers just two days away.

The squad currently boasts five players borrowed from other clubs. But only three — goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, midfielder Alex Marrow and striker Lewis Guy — are currently fit.

The trio were all in the matchday squad for the 2-0 defeat by Brighton at the weekend, while Jim Goodwin and Daniel Nardiello — both on standard loan deals which run until the end of the season — are out injured.

Nardiello suffered a tear in his hamstring in only his second appearance for the club and is currently under treatment at parent club Blackpool.

Athletic’s medical staff are expecting an update on the severity of his injury imminently.

Nardiello’s loan contract can only be torn up after a minimum period of 28 days has elapsed — which means he will remain an Athletic player until at least Thursday, April 1.

If the former Manchester United player is predicted to be fit to return soon after that date, Athletic may take the view that the player is worth keeping on at the club.

Otherwise, Penney may turn his attentions elsewhere.

Huddersfield man Goodwin’s persistent thigh strain causing him to miss the past eight matches but he is expected to be fit to return for next Tuesday’s vital home match against Brentford at Boundary Park.

Currently on loan at other clubs are Greg Fleming (Dunfermline), Josh Ollerenshaw (Silsden), Liam Dawson (Silsden) and Keigan Parker (Bury).

Five is the maximum number of loan players in any single matchday squad, but clubs are allowed to have more than that number on their books.

The deadline for new emergency loans is at 5pm on Thursday, though players already at clubs on loan can extend their deals after that date.

Meanwhile, American left-back James Mallon has spent the last few days training with Athletic.

The 21-year-old left-back from Virginia is the nephew of club director Mike Newton.