Feeney flat out to stake claim

WARREN FEENEY: will be going flat out to boost his first-team claims tomorrow.

FIT-AGAIN Warren Feeney will be handed the opportunity to play his way into the first-team picture tomorrow when Athletic go to Fleetwood Town.

The Northern Ireland international, who shed two stone in this summer in a bid to hit the ground running when the competitive action begins, has shaken off the virus that kept him out of the 0-0 midweek draw with Burnley.

And the clash with the Blue Square Bet Premier outfit represents one last chance to shine — and break up the promising partnership forged up front by Reuben Reid and Matt Smith.

Feeney is determined to make his mark ahead of next Saturday’s npower League One opener at home to Sheffield United.

He scored just once last term, in the shock 3-2 FA Cup loss at Accrington Stanley.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “Warren is fit and available for the game at Fleetwood tomorrow.

“The virus was not serious and he managed to play for the reserves during the week.”

Hardy also confirmed new loan signing Matthew Lund is likely to feature at Highbury.

The 20-year-old central midfielder, who has switched from Stoke City for three months, could partner Dean Furman in the engine room, although he faces competition from the unnamed trialist who is on the verge of completing a move to Boundary Park.

Meanwhile, Hardy has expressed his delight at the cash windfall heading Athletic’s way following Sky Sports’ request to screen the clash with MK Dons.

The clubs, who will receive £30,000 each, have agreed to move the match to Monday, October 10 (7.45pm kick-off).

Hardy said: “The money we get from this deal is obviously a big boost.

“Any income not budgeted for is always welcome. We can never budget for television money because it is so unpredictable, and you do not know when you will be asked by Sky.

“They came to us with the request, and MK Dons were happy to switch from the Saturday to the Monday, so we are delighted.”