Latics look to extend loan deal

Chris Taylor rises to win an aerial duel.

ATHLETIC have made a request to Leeds United to extend the loan of left-back Alan Sheehan for a second month.

Manager Dave Penney has contacted the Elland Road outfit after learning that Joe Jacobson, who is suffering from a pelvic problem, will be out for at least another month.

But as yet there has been no word from Leeds as to whether they are willing to allow the former Eire under-21 international to extend his stay.

Fit-again Paul Black was back on the bench at Southend on Saturday, but the Athletic boos is keen to keep the more experienced Sheehan.

Sheehan, whose initial month expires after the Yeovil game on Saturday, has proved a big hit at Boundary Park where he has formed a useful alliance with Chris Taylor on the left.

His delivery from free kicks and corners have been good weapons to Athletic’s attacking armoury while he also relishes pushing forward.

It is highly unlikely any of Athletic’s injured players will be back for tomorrow’s Coca-Cola League One match at home to MK Dons.

Jon Worthington is close to a return, but will be given more time to recover fully from an ankle injury.

Andy Holdsworth is having an injection tomorrow to try to reduce inflammation from the knee joint.

On-loan Nick Blackman has returned to Blackburn Rovers, who are trying to find exactly what is the cause of his foot problem.

Rob Purdie, Deane Smalley, Lewis Alessandra and Jacobson remain long-term absentees.

Utility-player Purdie was spending his 27th birthday in hospital today, connected to a drip containing drugs aimed at strengthening his pelvic area.

Alessandra is in hospital tomorrow when surgeons will look at the striker’s ankle ligaments. If he is need of an operation, it will take place there and then.

Smalley is to see another specialist about his back injury, but it looks inevitable he will need surgery to repair a damaged disc.