No.1 priority!

Photo: Alan Howarth

THAT'LL DO NICELY . . . Courtney Duffus acknowledges Athletic's travelling fans after firing home the equaliser against Accrington.

ATHLETIC manager John Sheridan is to turn the heat up in his hunt for a new goalkeeper.

Having not managed to land a new number one in time for the friendly at Accrington, Sheridan is adamant that he will have a first-choice 'keeper installed before the visit of La Liga new boys Girona to SportsDirect.com Park on Thursday (7pm kick-off).

"I am still looking for a number one," Sheridan said. "I always said I wanted one in before Accrington and now, I need to sort that position out.

"There will definitely be one in before Girona.

"I have got my eye on one or two and it's important I get one in now."

Sheridan had previously confirmed his interest in any chance of bringing back Connor Ripley from Middesbrough.

The 24-year-old played for Boro in a 2-0 defeat at Rochdale on Saturday, but his chance of first-team football at the Championship club have seemingly receded with the £5million signing of West ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

Sheridan can't afford to wait around hoping for a deal, though, and may end up looking elsewhere to fill the position Ripley took on so capably while on loan at the club last term.

In terms of goalkeeping back-up, Sheridan said after the 2-2 draw at the Wham Stadium that trialist Niklas Bolten had given him food for thought.

"He has come in and settled well," Sheridan said of Bolten. "It's been difficult for him, but he has done nothing wrong. We will see what the situation is with him.

"I am not sure whether Niklas is a number one, but he hasn't let himself down."

On the game itself, the manager was pleased that a very capable Accrington side had highlighted areas Athletic need to work on.

"Accrington was a good test for us and we did well in patches," he added.

"When you make mistakes, it's better doing so now than when there is something at stake.

"Sometimes you have pre-season games where you you can see where you need to improve and for me, that's a positive."

Darius Osei pulled a hamstring late on and Brian Wilson (Achilles) and Paul Green (Achilles) sat out the game along with Dan Gardner.

"They were precautionary and Dan is not right yet after a bang on his knee," Sheridan added. "I don't think they are too serious at all.

"I am hoping all three will have a chance for Girona."

ATHLETIC'S fixtures in the Checkatrade Trophy Group 'D' have been confirmed.

Port Vale are the visitors to SportsDirect.com Park on Tuesday, August 29 (7.30pm kick-off). Admission for that game is priced at £10 adults, £5 concessions and £1 under-16s.

Athletic hit the road to face Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday, October 3 (7.30pm) where prices are £10 adults, £6 seniors and £2 under-16s.

The final group game is at home to Newcastle United. That fixture will be played on Tuesday, November 7 (7.30pm) with the same pricing structure as the Vale match.