Flynn looks up

RYAN FLYNN . . . the 28-year-old says Athletic have a strong squad under Stephen Robinson

MAINTAIN the current standards and Athletic will steer themselves away from trouble in Sky Bet League One season.

That is the verdict of Ryan Flynn, who joined Athletic in the summer following his release from Sheffield United.

Flynn has scored three goals in 23 appearances so far, but as far as the team is concerned, he believes they are gelling more as the season progresses.

The former Blade said: "I think I said when I came here that it would take time to get to know the players.

"I think you can see relationships building among the squad now, though.

"We've got a strong squad. Players have been coming in and out and doing well.

"Cameron Dummigan was brilliant at Scunthorpe for instance, before Josh Law replaced him at Port Vale and was great, too.

"We just need to continue that level of performance throughout the season and it'll produce results.

CHANCE

"You do need the squad to be competitive, and the chance to rotate does help, particularly if you've got three games in a week.

"The way we play and press is really intense, but overall across the course of the season I think we'll get our rewards."

Athletic's cause won't have been helped by the news emerging last week that the club was slapped with a transfer embargo, but those type of off-the-field issues seemingly don't affect the players and their preparations and focus as they gear up for any particular game.

EMBARGO

Asked about the transfer embargo, 28-year-old Flynn was dismissive.

"The window is shut anyway," he said.

"No, it's nothing to do with us as players really.

"Our job is just to try our best to get results.

"We can take positives from the way we played and the character we showed at places like Port Vale.

"The fans have always been great, too. I'm sure they'll stay right behind us."

CASH-ONLY turnstiles are in operation at Lincoln City for Monday's FA Cup second round clash at Sincil Bank (7.45pm kick off).

The game, which is live on BT Sport, has admission prices as follows: £10 adults, £5 concessions, £5 students and £2 under-18s.

Meanwhile, MK Dons have made an official approach for Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson.

Athletic's League One rivals are looking for a new manager after parting company with Karl Robinson last month.

A club statement read: "Milton Keynes Dons Football Club can confirm it has made an official approach for Heart of Midlothian's head coach Robbie Neilson with regards to its vacant managerial position.

"The club respects that Hearts has an important fixture with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday evening and, therefore, no further comment will be made until after that match."

Hearts also confirmed the approach.