Sheridan relishes the tough run-in

READY . . . John Sheridan

ON paper, Athletic could hardly have a tougher run-in to the end of the season - but that's the way manager John Sheridan likes it.

Millwall's visit tomorrow (3pm kick-off) starts a sequence in which Sheridan's side face 10 of the current top 12 in Sky Bet League One.

Of the other three fixtures left to play, Athletic also have to face a relegation rival, Bury, at home.

Athletic's current form since Sheridan came back to the club is of promotion calibre, though.

And Sheridan is relishing the battle ahead.

"You can always look at the fixtures," he said. "But I look at the ones we have just had and we have done all right.

"They were difficult games and we have come out with 16 points from nine games. That's the way I look at it.

"If you are on your game, you can beat anyone in this league.

"I think there are some great games coming up, the home games especially. Sheffield United, Bolton and Fleetwood are all going for promotion - I'd rather have them. They will bring big followings and nobody expects you to win them. That's the way I want it.

"Keep performing as we have and get 16 points from the next nine and we are going to be safe.

"I am hoping we have got a bit of confidence. Because we have a good dressing room and we have to just keep picking points up from every game we play."

With heavy rainfall hitting an already troublesome pitch this week, conditions tomorrow may suit an Athletic side that has managed to adapt well to a difficult surface during Sheridan's reign.

Despite the overall performance being under-par at Swindon, the weight of results and the lifting of the goals famine gives Sheridan the belief that Millwall's defence - which has been breached once in the last 10 outings, including FA Cup victories over Premier League trio Bournemouth, Watford and Leicester - can be overcome.

"We had a record of not scoring and now we are doing so," Sheridan said. "Hopefully, we can change their record.

"They have got some good players and are well-organised. If you are beating Premier League teams you have something about you. They are going really well and come here buoyant and confident and with a trip to Tottenham coming up, things are going well for them.

"But I'm more focused on us - what we are going to do and how we are going to affect the game."

Whatever happens tomorrow, Sheridan was adamant he won't be playing a blame-game concerning the conditions.

"That pitch is miles better than when I played here," he said. "I am not going to use it as an excuse. You deal with what it throws at you."