Latics have got what it takes - McLaughlin

POSITIVE OUTLOOK . . . Ryan McLaughlin is pictured scoring Latics' victory-clinching third goal against coventry last month

PAST experiences have helped boost Ryan McLaughlin's belief that Athletic can gain the points needed to turn the tables on the division's best teams.

Sheffield United, Fleetwood and Bolton travel to SportsDirect.com Park in the next month and all three clubs hold the belief that they can gain automatic promotion.

But if any of that trio reckon on Athletic being soft touches, they are very much mistaken.

A player who epitomises the team's spirit and energy, Northern Ireland call-up McLaughlin points to strong performances already this term against clubs in the top six as evidence that John Sheridan's side are well-equipped to battle as equals.

"We had Millwall here and I think we more than held our own," said McLaughlin, who goes up against brother Conor when Fleetwood visit on Saturday, April 8.

"I thought we were better than they were and the gaffer was raging about the two penalties at the end - that makes them feel they should have won, whereas we controlled the whole game and did brilliantly against them.

"That gives you a lot of confidence and though the pitch isn't the best, we played good football on it.

"Even when we played Sheffield United on Boxing Day, we did well to an extent even though they scored twice late on.

"It does give us confidence. We feel we can beat these teams at home.

"Everyone is confident. We feel we have the ability and we are keeping clean sheets - we just need to start scoring and it's something we are working on now, to get safe as soon as possible."

McLaughlin was restored to a place on the right of midfield during the midweek win over Oxford and though he says he is happy to feature anywhere - he has been used variously as a winger, a left wing-back, a right-back and a striker this season - the much-talked-about problem pitch is not too much of a concern for the players.

"I have learned a lot and while I may not have been as good in some games as others, you try to stay as consistent as you can.

"I have actually enjoyed playing in all the positions and I don't really have a favourite. I am quite comfortable anywhere on the right side and felt I did okay up front.

"I am happy anywhere, so long as I am playing.

"I haven't played on a pitch like ours since my younger days. But I have spoken to the gaffer and he says when he was playing, it was at times a lot worse.

"It is difficult. One time against Bury I went to cross and the ball bobbled up behind me, never mind in front of me!

"At the end of the day, everyone is playing on the same surface and everyone has to deal with it. You just have to get on with it."

McLaughlin's strong form has resulted in a Northern Ireland call-up for a World Cup qualifying game later this month, giving him the chance to add to the last of his three senior caps gained in a 1-0 friendly defeat in Scotland two years ago, while still a Liverpool player.

He will miss the home game against Sheffield United on Saturday week but returns for the trip to Southend on Saturday, April 1.

After that, it's Fleetwood at home - a club McLaughlin feels can be looked to for inspiration.

"I am very surprised, in fairness, at how well Fleetwood are doing," he added. "They seem very organised and their manager Uwe Rosler has come in and done wonders. My brother has been saying how impressed he is with the manager."