Different class

ON THE MARK: Shefki Kuqi scores against Preston, one of 12 goals for the Athletic striker so far this season.

Hot-shot Kuqi closes in on scoring landmark
SHEFKI Kuqi is only three goals away from a scoring milestone — and has six games this month in which to add them to his tally.

The Kosovo-born striker is looking to become only the second player, after Chris Porter, to hit the 15-goal mark before the turn of the year since Athletic were relegated to the third tier.

One of the upcoming fixtures pits the 35-year-old against his former club, Sheffield Wednesday, at Boundary Park on Saturday week.

First, though, Kuqi runs out against Southend, in the FA Cup second-round tie on Saturday, and then Bradford City in the Northern Area semi-final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday.

Aside from his 12 goals, it is the former Finland international’s all-round contribution that continues to impress in Boundary Park's corridors of power.

“Shefki has been different class since he has been here,” said Barry Owen, chairman of Trust Oldham and one of four members of the Latics board.

“His approach is so complete and he has an effect on other people around him, particularly the younger players who look up to him. He is a lovely man and a consummate professional.”

Athletic will benefit from a £27,000 windfall if they get past Southend at Roots Hall and further financial benefits would follow from seeing off Bradford.

In a month vital towards shaping their season, Athletic then face back-to-back npower League One games against the division’s top-two, Wednesday (home) and Charlton (away), before the busy festive period brings Boundary Park fixtures against Hartlepool on Boxing Day and Notts County on New Year’s Eve, and a visit to Chesterfield’s B2net Stadium on Monday, January 2.

Athletic are now five points off the last play-off place and will need a good return over the next five weeks to stay in touch.