Shez forced to tinker

UNAVAILABLE . . . Athletic loanee Chris Taylor

ATHLETIC are in need of a left-field solution to solve their Chris Taylor problem against Bolton.

Already without Rob Hunt due to his season-ending groin injury, boss John Sheridan can't call upon Taylor for Saturday's big clash (12.30pm kick-off) as he is on loan from Wanderers and ineligible.

FAVOUR

With Jamie Reckord out of favour, that leaves the role of left wing-back exposed - the same side of the field that in-form Bolton winger Filipe Morais will be running into.

Tope Obadeyi is the naturally left-footed option to fill in down that side, though given his attacking instincts that might be viewed as a risk.

Ryan Flynn, whose last start for the club was at Northampton in February, has experience of playing as a full-back for previous club Sheffield United and could provide another alternative.

And Lee Croft is a possibility to come in, despite his attracting Sheridan's wrath for picking up an early red card at Walsall.

He has not featured at all since.

EXCELLED

While Sheridan may be loath to move him from a role he excelled in during the Fleetwood victory, switching Ryan McLaughlin to the left side could be the least disruptive way of filling the gap left by Taylor.

McLaughlin played on the left wing in Sheridan's first game back in charge against Gillingham.

That could in turn mean another chance for Josh Law as the right-sided wing-back.

Sheridan could even revert to a 4-4-2 formation, but that is unlikely given his preference recently for matching up to the opposition tactically.

Whatever the manager chooses to do, he is confident that his in-form side won't go out onto the field at SportsDirect.com Park with any apprehension, whatever happens with results in other games involving rivals beforehand.

Bury host Rochdale tonight at Gigg Lane.

VICTORIES

If the Shakers win and there are also victories the following day for Port Vale at home to Sheffield United, Gillingham against visitors Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury, who host Walsall, then Athletic could end up, at best, being outside the bottom-four on goal difference only.

With the belief gained thanks to recent results, though, there is little chance that outside influences will affect Athletic's mood on the pitch.

"They're playing with a smile and a bit of freedom," Sheridan said, of his side who have lost only once at home in 2017.

"It's about expressing yourself and not worrying about making mistakes.

"We've got a good dressing room, which is a major plus, and these lads are just going out believing they can win games.

"They can't wait to get out there again.

"It is hard when you're losing. I've been there when you're wary of what is going to happen, but we have got this belief that we can go out and beat anyone at the moment."