Robinson's focus on swooping for two new forwards

Photo: Max Flego

IN CONTENTION...free from suspension, Ousmane Fane is available for Saturday's trip to Fleetwood

OUSMANE Fane's return is a boost ahead of an anticipated injection of fresh blood over the weekend, but he may still have a scrap on his hands to get back into the side at Fleetwood.

Athletic are set to release Calaum Jahraldo-Martin, the Chronicle understands, as manager Stephen Robinson bids to add two new strikers to his squad in time for the visit of Port Vale on Monday, January 2.

With the duo in and out of the side, loan front men Freddie Ladapo and Lee Erwin could return to parent clubs Crystal Palace and Leeds respectively, though the latter player's situation is complicated by the fact that his deal runs across the full season.

"We need strikers in," Robinson said. "There will be some going back and hopefully, two coming in. It all depends who I can get out of the club to shuffle things about in order to create some money and also that the embargo is lifted on January 1.

"We are well aware where we need to strengthen."

For now, though, the focus is solely on gaining a positive outcome at Fleetwood on Saturday - at a club beaten only once at home in the league all season.

SERVING

Fane is back after serving a two-game suspension and could feature against a club Athletic have never experienced defeat against.

"When he (Fane) is not in the team, you realise how effective he is," Robinson said. "Josh Law did very well in there and at times, he took care of Mark Duffy for 70 minutes.

"Josh has played in there in Europe for Motherwell, so we know he can do that.

"Ousmane coming in would give us extra power, energy and strength - but he has a fight to get in now with Josh as well."

Robinson was also clear that while Sheffield United was always going to be a stiff task, he is now seeking victories in the back-to-back outings against Fleetwood and at home to Port Vale in order to boost the chances of climbing out of the bottom-four.

"Nobody outside the club expected anything at Sheffield United though in the inner circle, you always do have expectations," the manager added.

"But we go to Fleetwood with no fear, we really do.

"The position belies how the dressing room is. They know we are a goal scorer away from being a decent side. We can't keep saying that - we know it needs to change very quickly.

"But Fleetwood and Port Vale provide us with tremendous opportunities."

On the team news front ahead of the visit to Highbury Stadium, Athletic are carrying a few knocks from a tough battle at Bramall Lane.

"Charles Dunne came off and that is not like him as he is a strong character," Robinson said.

"We will assess him and Ryan McLaughlin was playing through the pain barrier as well."