Latics boss's trust in back line

BRIAN WILSON . . . Achilles injury

KEEP another deadly duo quiet and Athletic can get halfway to safety tomorrow.

That's the challenge laid down by manager John Sheridan, who reckons the club are probably now two victories away from confirming their status in Sky Bet League One for next season.

"We have got six games left to probably win two," Sheridan said. "Six points might give us a good chance of staying in the league.

"But I've said before, I was with Plymouth where 52 wasn't enough going into the last game of the season. You are always wary."

The squad set off South towards Roots Hall this morning in all probability still without Rob Hunt and Aaron Amadi-Holloway, whose respective hamstring strains are unlikely to be risked. Brian Wilson (Achilles) won't play, but could return for the visit of Fleetwood the following week.

FACING UP

Still, even in facing up to a strike force arguably close to the level of Sheffield United's James Hanson and Billy Sharp, Sheridan is confident that whoever steps out on the field can be trusted to keep things tight.

"Nile Ranger on his day is a real handful and Simon Cox I've always liked," he said of Southend's forward duo. "They have Theo Robinson as well. They are a decent team with players who have played at a higher level.

"But we go there knowing we have done alright defensively.

"We will continue doing what we have been doing, give as much information to the players as we can and hopefully take it on to the pitch.

"If we defend well, and without counting my chickens we have been doing that, we have a chance because we do make scoring chances.

"It might be just the one goal that wins that game."

Tactically, Sheridan's players have proven themselves adaptable. Set up to match the Blades' own 3-5-2 formation last week, Athletic could revert to 4-4-2 tomorrow to go like-for-like against Phil Brown's in-form side.

"When we have played 4-4-2 we have done well," Sheridan added. "So I'm not frightened of going there and matching them. It wouldn't be a problem to us."

Aiden O'Neill returned to training yesterday after missing Athletic's last game due to his involvement at an Australia under-23s camp in Spain, while Ryan McLaughlin came back from Northern Ireland duty to training on Tuesday.

Sheridan stressed that right now, he is not one to flog his players.

"Training has to be short and sharp and at this stage of the season," he added. "Forty-five minutes at a good tempo is all you need, though I know some managers will think differently.

"I know the importance of trying to get my best players onto the pitch and don't get carried away with training, too much."

Athletic (probable, 4-4-2): Ripley; McLaughlin, Clarke, Gerrard, Law; Green, Banks, Fane, Taylor; Erwin, Obadeyi. Subs (from): Kettings, Edmundson, Reckord, Mantack, O'Neill, Croft, Flynn, Ngoo, Osei.