Furman’s Euro goal

Furman’s wonder strike

ATHLETIC midfield maestro Dean Furman is battling it out with Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney as he bids to claim a European goal of the season award.

Furman’s sweet strike against Notts County in a 3-0 win early on in the 2010-11 campaign has already earned him the Mitre Goal of the Year gong at the Football League awards.

And now, the 22-year-old’s long-range effort, which followed up a 14-pass move, is among 20 top European goals shortlisted on the Guardian website.

Competition is stiff. Up against Furman’s strike are Dejan Stankovic’s stunning volley for Internazionale against Schalke, Messi’s delicate finish after a typically precise Barcelona passing move against Arsenal and Wayne Rooney’s overhead kick for Manchester United in the derby at Old Trafford.

Fans can vote for their favourite by visiting www.guardian.co.uk and clicking through to the sport blog.

Meanwhile, Craig Davies is expected to sign for Championship outfit Barnsley today.

The former Athletic striker scored 25 times for League Two champions Chesterfield last season, but is set to leave on a two-year deal which will kick in when the 25-year-old’s current contract runs out at the end of this month.

TRUST Oldham are holding a one-off fundraiser for PlayerShare, the scheme designed to boost Athletic manager Paul Dickov’s hand in the transfer market.

A horse and jockey race night will be held at the Rifle Range Inn, Chadderton, on Saturday, July 9.

All proceeds will go to into PlayerShare, an account used solely by the manager when he needs funds for players.

Chaddy the Owl and other famous faces are expected to show on the night.