Latics looking to fill Lafferty void

DANIEL LAFFERTY - gone back to Burnley

ATHLETIC boss John Sheridan is hoping to add to his squad this week in the wake of loanee full-back Daniel Lafferty’s return to Burnley.

Derry-born Lafferty (26) made a big impact during his stint at SportsDirect.com Park, impressing on the left of the defence. He is now back at Turf Moor having made 15 Athletic appearances and scoring once.

The former Rotherham loanee will be a tough act to follow, but manager Sheridan has already started the search for a replacement.

He said: “It’s important we fill the gap left by Danny now. We’ve players like Joseph Mills and possibly one or two others. To be honest I wouldn’t be frightened of throwing Brian Wilson in that position, or even Cameron Dummigan, but the balance of the team would be helped if I can get another left-footed player involved.

“Really just a straight replacement for Daniel is what I’m after, and I have asked one or two questions so far. There’s one or two players out there I would like to bring in, but we’ll have to see.

“Hopefully something might materialise in time for the Sheffield United game.”

It’s debatable whether Irishman Lafferty will be playing much for home club Burnley on his return to Turf Moor, but it’s clear he was popular at Athletic.

“Danny did really well while he was here,” added Sheridan. “I really like him as a player and he did a great job for us. He was getting stronger as the games went by, so that’s why he will be a big loss.”


A NEW date has been confirmed for Athletic’s re-arranged home Sky Bet League One fixture against Swindon Town, which was postponed due to snow and ice on Saturday.

The game will now take place at SportsDirect.com Park on Tuesday, April 5, with a 7.45pm kick-off.