Latics set to go out with a bang

CAUSING A NUISANCE . . . Michael Ngoo gets stuck in

RESULTS elsewhere won't take John Sheridan's focus away from his Athletic team as they bid to seal the deal tomorrow.

Rochdale arrive at SportsDirect.com Park (3pm kick-off) for a derby game that is of importance for both teams.

For Athletic, it's about potentially taking the three points they need to be absolutely sure of stopping up without relying on rivals failing.

For Rochdale, a second victory over Athletic this season would keep alive their top-six dream until at least the final day of the Sky Bet League One season.

Sheridan knows that a loss for Port Vale at home to Bolton would realistically mean Athletic stay safe regardless of the Rochdale result thanks to a superior goal difference over the Vale Park club.

A defeat for Bury, who have not scored for three games, at home to Northampton would have the same effect.

"Even if we don't beat Rochdale and results go for us, that's it, but with it being a derby I would like to win for the supporters," said Sheridan, who is guarding a superb run of only one loss in the last 11 games on an oft-criticised home pitch which has started to look a lot grassier in recent weeks.

"We have done well at home and I'd like us to carry that on by getting three points.

SAFE

"What will be, will be in the other games. What I'm looking at is, we take care of it ourselves."

The tame defeat at Bristol Rovers put down as a lost opportunity ("we played like we were already safe," Sheridan feels), Athletic's manager hopes to be toasting another excellent afternoon's work hosting one of the division's better sides come early evening on Saturday.

"Keith Hill has done a great job there," Sheridan said of the Rochdale boss, in his second spell at the club and exceeding outside expectations as a matter of routine.

"I've seen them quite a few times and they play with freedom and he has brought some good young players in.

"He plays people out of position and they always seem to come through.

"He is not frightened of doing that and I like that. He knows me and I get on well with Keith.

"He will want to win, I want to win, and we will have a drink after it."

Michael Ngoo comes into contention after his red card against Bolton, though Sheridan has warned his may not be an easy route back into the side.

"He's back in the squad and will be available," Sheridan said, before going on to label the red card as "stupid".

"Especially in today's game, you have to learn that bookings come easily.

"It's the player's loss, really. It makes them vulnerable to not being in the team."