In-form Croft unsure where his future lies

Lee Croft: uncertain about next season

LEE Croft is keeping his options open about next season.

The winger is enjoying his best spell in an Athletic shirt in 2012-13 and delivered a hard-working show in the 1-0 midweek win over Yeovil, to ease relegation fears.

Croft admits the team’s performance is pushing him to stay: “I don’t know, honestly,” said Croft, out of contract in the summer.

“I ended my contract with Derby by mutual agreement and felt it was right to stay with Oldham until the end of the season. I have enjoyed my time here and we will just see what happens. Nights like Yeovil make you want to continue being here.”

As one of the more experienced players in the squad, Croft was among a select group taken to one side by manager Lee Johnson before the Bury game and told just how important the fixture was.

Johnson has kept pressure off the shoulders of the team’s younger players and teenagers like David Mellor, Kirk Millar and most recently Glenn Belezika have responded positively.

“He’s a very strong, quick lad with good attributes,” said Croft of Belezika, who made his full debut against Yeovil.

“A few young lads have come in recently in important games and we have gained results. Even with the budget they have, they are bringing quality players through.”

Croft — who has been battling illness in the past 10 days - is now aiming to end Athletic’s Boundary Park campaign on a high against Crawley.

“It’s the last home game and we want to give the fans something to cheer about,” Croft added. “We want to put the relegation issue to bed, make ourselves safe and enjoy the last week of the season.”