Sheridan issues Ripley praise

CLEAN SHEET KING . . . On-loan goalkeeper Connor Ripley has had 13 shut-outs so far for Athletic this season

CONNOR Ripley has been backed to succeed at a higher level by his current manager - but with the praise for the in-form goalkeeper comes a message to keep on improving.

The 24-year-old's 13th shut-out of the season at Swindon Town brought more accolades the way of the on-loan Middlesbrough star.

Brought in at the start of the season by Stephen Robinson, there have been precious few blips as Ripley has proven himself to be Athletic's best goalkeeper in years.

SHOCK

But while it would be a shock if clubs from a higher level were not taking a close look at his consistent level of performance, Athletic boss John Sheridan feels that there is one area of the talented number one's game that does still need some work.

"More than anything, Connor is playing with a lot of confidence," said Sheridan, of a player who is closing in on Les Pogliacomi's all-time club record of 19 clean sheets in a season.

"The players know we have a really good goalkeeper and that's a plus and Connor knows he has a good group in front of him.

"I don't like to pick individuals out. But he has made good saves when needed and is very reliable.

"He is a player in form and we are going to need him.

"He is someone I definitely think will play at a higher level. He is at an age now where he should be doing that, with Oldham or whoever else I don't know.

"But he does need to improve with his distribution. We are not a team at this moment in time where he is able to play it out.

"For him to play at a higher level it's something he needs to improve and I have told him that.

"Anyone who is coming to watch him, including Middlesbrough, will know that a goalkeeper now has to have good feet and that's what I would advise him to work on.

"He has everything else. I have only worked with him a short while, but we are very fortunate to have a goalkeeper of his calibre."

FORM

Ripley's form this term sees him in second place in the running for the Chronicle's 2016-17 Star Man award.

He has five man-of-the-match nominations to date, two short of captain Peter Clarke - the only other ever-present for Athletic.

There are 13 games left in which to come out on top and succeed last year's winner Liam Kelly while claiming a £600 charity prize courtesy of sponsors Indish Bar, Restaurant and Grill up for grabs.

Star Man nominations 2016-17: Peter Clarke 7, Connor Ripley 5, Paul Green, Ryan Flynn, Ousmane Fane, Ollie Banks 4; Ryan McLaughlin 3; Lee Croft, Josh Law, Cameron Burgess 2; Darius Osei, Charles Dunne, Lee Erwin, Billy Mckay, Carl Winchester 1. Total: 42