Reliable Wilson has wins target

REJUVENATED . . . Defender Brian Wilson in action for Athletic at Shrewsbury

SEVEN more wins are in the sights of Athletic's rejuvenated defender Brian Wilson.

Winning just under half of the remaining 15 fixtures would put John Sheridan's side on 52 points - a figure beyond the usual half-century barrier that is thought will again ensure safety.

Wilson (33) has been lauded by his new boss as an ultra-reliable "seven out of 10" merchant who can fill in wherever needed.

Tonight against Charlton (7.45pm kick-off), that's likely to mean another turn as right-back as Athletic try to chalk up three points.

And, for his part, the former Bristol City and Colchester man, who came close to a move back to his former club Cheltenham in January, says a clue to Sheridan's impact all over again lies in a laid-back approach.

"It is more relaxed around the place," said Wilson, who has started in Athletic's last 11 games, having previously made only 10 appearances all season. "He takes the pressure off and is very set in his ways as to what he wants. The lads have responded to it very well.

"We have been in good form, but it is far from all finished and I reckon we need another seven wins.

"But the way to do it is to keep knocking off the number of points we need with each game that comes along.

"Confidence breeds belief and that's massive in football, getting players playing to high standards."

Athletic's sturdy defensive line-up features two other 30-somethings in skipper Peter Clarke and Anthony Gerrard.

Keeping hold of Clarke in the face of a bid from Scunthorpe on 'deadline day' was a great boost, says Wilson, not least for his scoring prowess that has brought victories over Chesterfield and Coventry.

Wilson added: " When you have those sort of characters in the side, it helps those younger players around them.

"Peter has done really well too, in terms of being our top scorer. Obviously, we could do with other players chipping in, but he has done the job in defence and up top when needed.

"It is important to keep hold of those sorts of players. He is a leader and to lose him would have been a big blow."

While happy to be back in the side and set to start at right-back again tonight, Wilson could well have gone out on loan when out of favour earlier in the season and he believes the closure of the emergency window has had an adverse impact of fringe players.

"I don't really agree with the new loan rules where players who are not featuring as much have to wait six months before they can go out," he said. "Some players need games and with no reserve fixture list, it is hard to get a good run of matches.

"It was close (the move). But I have got my head down and just got on with doing what I needed to get back into the team. I love it here and I'm pleased to be back in the side."