Boss seeks Latics lift-off

Tope Obadeyi

ATHLETIC boss John Sheridan could shake up his side again as he bids to find the winning formula to see off Wigan.

Dan Gardner is likely to step straight in to the starting line-up for the derby at SportsDirect.com Park, having served a three-match ban which originated from last season when he was a Chesterfield player.

Gardner could operate anywhere across the midfield - an area that Sheridan has targeted to bring in extra options during the current transfer window.

Tope Obadeyi almost scored deep into added time in the disappointing and frustrating defeat at Walsall last Saturday and he could also start - either on the left flank or up front, where Athletic have mis-fired so far.

Gardner played for just over an hour in a behind-closed doors game against Fleetwood yesterday, with Obadeyi getting a full 90 minutes under his belt.

Mason Fawns, who made his first start in the 2-1 loss at the Bank's Stadium, also played for the full game and forward Darius Osei had a 45-minute spell.

Athletic also handed a full run-out to Gyamfi Kyeremeh. The Belgian winger, who joined the club last week on a two-year deal, was an unused substitute at Walsall but could get his chance at some stage in the game as Sheridan bids to get a first league success of the campaign under his belt.

"I have to get a grip of the players and whatever team I pick, we roll our sleeves up and try to win the game - as we should at Walsall, with our first-half performance," said Sheridan.

"We take the positives we can out of Walsall and we see where it leads us."

Wigan striker Omar Bogle won't be involved on Saturday, as his £1million move to Cardiff City was set to be completed today.

* TICKETS for Athletic's game at Blackpool on Saturday, August 26, are still available.

Supporters will be seated in the North Stand behind the goal at Bloomfield Road and tickets can be bought on the day from the away ticket kiosk, but fans are advised to buy in advance.

Prices are £22 adults, £18 over-60s, £10 under-19s and free for under-11s with a paying adult. Tickets go off-sale on Friday, August 25.