Pace and power

Photo: Anthony Miller

WELCOME TO LATICS . . . new signing Courtney Duffus has joined for an undisclosed fee.

ATHLETIC'S imposing forward line has been added to in the shape of strapping young Everton forward Courtney Duffus.

The 21-year-old, who won't feature tonight at Curzon Ashton (7.45pm kick-off), has signed a two-year contract with the option of a further 12 months with the club in exchange for an undisclosed fee to round off boss John Sheridan's attack-minded signings for the coming campaign.

Standing at 6ft 2in and with a reputation for pace and power, Cheltenham-born Duffus adds to a set of strikers which also features Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Craig Davies, Tope Obadeyi and Darius Osei.

"If I am looking at any positions now, it will be a holding midfield player and goalkeepers," said Sheridan, who will field a trialist in goal tonight after Bailey Peacock-Farrell was allowed to return to Leeds after a week of training with the first team.

"They are the positions that will strengthen us.

"I have looked at us and if everyone is fit then I am comfortable with what we have got."

Duffus sits out tonight's game at the Tameside Stadium - he is short of training and plans to be ready for Accrington on Saturday - but his pedigree indicates he could be worth the wait.

Part of an Everton under-23s side who won the Premier League Two title last season, Duffus was the subject of a reported unsuccessful bid from Brighton in the January transfer window.

He also scored in a 3-1 success over Manchester United close to the last deadline day, prompting Notts County chairman Alan Hardy to give up chasing his signing on loan.

"After watching his performance, which was absolutely excellent, we turned off the TV knowing we were not going to be able to sign him," Hardy told the Nottingham Post.

Duffus, who had a short loan spell with Bury in 2014-15, has played three times for the Republic of Ireland at under-21s level, scoring once against Serbia, and recently signed a year's extension to his deal at Everton.

On the hunt for a new first-choice goalkeeper, Sheridan said he plans to have a new man in sooner rather than later.

An on-trial goalkeeper will be among the squad travelling to the Tameside Stadium tonight as Athletic continue to evaluate their options.

"There are one or two who are available, but we have to make sure we get the right one and financially it has to suit us," Sheridan added on his 'keeper hunt.

"It won't be going on for too long, put it that way. I am confident I will have one in before Saturday.

"WORKED"

"Bailey did okay, not that he had a lot to do. He is a very good young goalkeeper and very enthusiastic. He came in and worked hard with Carlo Nash and we will keep an eye on that one."

* ADMISSION prices for tonight's game are £6 adults and £3 concessions.