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ANTHONY GERRARD: Free from suspension

JOHN Sheridan won't be fixated on a 'sliding doors' moment tonight, as he takes Athletic to a club he could have joined.

Anthony Gerrard is back from suspension and likely to start at Northampton (7.45pm kick-off), aiming to help his club to a fifth game unbeaten in the quest to avoid the drop.

Win at Sixfields and Sheridan's men will move to within a point of the 16th-placed Cobblers.

That would represent a real turnaround in fortunes, seven weeks on since a manager fully content with his lot decided to opt for a return to Athletic in preference to taking on the vacant Northampton hot-seat.

"Yes, I spoke to Northampton, but it is just one of those things," Sheridan said. "You are very fortunate that a club is interested in you, but they have a really good manager there in Justin Edinburgh now who I like and I am at Oldham.

"I am chuffed to bits to be back here, so my mind is fully on Oldham."

Northampton have won three of eight games under the charge of former Gillingham boss Edinburgh, all at home, and Sheridan expects a battle similar to that against Millwall.

"They have good players in the side and won League Two last year, so obviously had some momentum going into this season," he added.

"They are a big, strong team and quite similar to Millwall.

"They have a good home record and I expect a tough game.

"Likewise, we are unbeaten in four and we go there buoyant and trying to get something from the game."

Gerrard's return was signposted by Sheridan, who could move Brian Wilson to right-back with Ryan McLaughlin operating higher up the pitch.

'VOCAL'

"Anthony is important to us," Athletic's manager said. "He has the experience and is vocal and can only add to what we have already got.

"Brian was excellent in his two games he played there and the defence kept two clean sheets.

"It is not a necessity Anthony is back in the team, but you have to look at his know-how and experience. He keeps other people on their toes and is a big plus for us to get back."

Sheridan also had high praise for the versatile McLaughlin, stating: "I have played him up front, right-back, right midfield and on the left. In my first game he played at left wing-back.

"Wherever he plays, he always does an excellent job. He is full of enthusiasm and has a lot of good things in his game. He's very quick and he was excellent against Millwall.

"Wherever he plays, he gives his all."

Athletic (probable, 4-2-3-1): Ripley; Wilson, Clarke, Gerrard, Hunt; Green, banks; McLaughlin, O'Neill, Taylor; Amadi-Holloway. Subs (from): Kettings, Law, Edmundson, Reckord, Fane, Croft, Flynn, Erwin, Obadeyi, Ngoo, Osei.