McLaughlin could be sacrificed for a new midfield general

RYAN McLAUGHLIN

MIDFIELD matters are weighing heavily on Athletic boss John Sheridan's mind.

And in order to fund a swoop for a new maestro, there could be movement out of the club first.

Athletic are believed to have rejected one six-figure bid from Wigan for midfielder or full-back Ryan McLaughlin already and the Northern Ireland international could be sacrificed to a better offer to add funds to Sheridan's kitty.

WELL-STOCKED

Athletic are well-stocked for right-sided players - Cameron Dummigan, Brian Wilson and Kallum Mantack all operate down that flank - which would cushion the potential blow of losing the energetic McLaughlin.

As well as a pair of new goalkeepers, Sheridan has a growing concern over his central midfield where he wants to bring in a player who will exert some real control in the middle of the pitch.

"I would like a midfielder and I do believe that we need another," said Sheridan, who for a time played rookie Mason Fawns in a central midfield role last week both at Curzon Ashton and Accrington.

"You don't have to always kick the ball and pass it. You can talk your way through a game. We are missing that, big-time.

"I don't think we realise you can talk and organise and do everything without even touching the ball. A lot of people think it's all about running around and getting on the ball. But you need to talk and help each other, giving information and instructions.

"We need that kind of player in there."

Sheridan had another look at the trialist pair of goalkeeper Niklas Bolten and winger Reagy Ofosu in the draw at Accrington.

One player who has been training with Athletic, but who did not feature in that game is Enoch Andoh.

STARLET

The former Port Vale starlet had featured at Curzon Ashton, but Sheridan said that he is currently well behind his peers in fitness terms. Andoh (24) has not played a senior competitive game since suffering a major knee injury in October, 2015.

"Enoch has had a serious injury and has come in so we can have a look at him fitness-wise to see how he is," Sheridan added.

"The lad has been out for a long time, so we will keep an eye on him.

"We have a game on Thursday (Girona at home) and I have to concentrate on my team now and what shape we will play. I don't mind looking at one or two players, but Enoch's a bit short.

"He's a good little intelligent player, but he has only done pre-season on his own, so he is way behind us."