Brave on the ball

HIGH KICK . . . Dan Gardner

COURAGE on the ball is absolutely key as Athletic strive to turn the tables on visitors Wigan tomorrow.

There won't be any new players in for the derby against the Sky Bet League One title favourites - that will have to wait until existing ones are shipped out - but with Dan Gardner included for the first time, manager John Sheridan is hoping for a big leap in terms of quality on the ball.

Succeed against Paul Cook's side and the current squad, which is well short on numbers in Sheridan's forthright view, can take plenty of heart.

"A good result against Wigan will hopefully give us belief and show that we can compete," said Sheridan, whose injury concerns ahead of tomorrow are Paul Green and Ryan Flynn, who are both rated as 50-50 shots to be involved due to Achilles problems.

"I know we can do that - but we haven't shown it.

"We have to be braver on the ball. Our possession is just not good enough.

"I could pick a team of players who I think would take care of the ball better for me - so I will look at that.

"I go with what I feel is right. Everyone has an opinion and I'm not bothered what anyone thinks.

"Luckily for me, I am the manager and I will be judged on results."

Athletic need to be less jumpy on the ball, Sheridan feels, as he considers which midfield role to hand to Gardner.

"If you have to go backwards to keep possession, do it if you have to and don't be in such a rush to force the issue," Sheridan said.

"I am hoping Dan will do that as on the ball, he is probably our best player.

"He isn't someone who will run around, tackle and win headers, but I expect him to have plenty of touches on the ball."

Sheridan admits to frustration at so far being unable to land targets, but is determined to improve the performances of assets at his disposal after opening up the season with three losses.

"I know what players I want and which position I would like to try and fill. Are we any closer? No, not really," he added.

"But we keep trying and trying. What circumstances come about and how we can do it, we will have to see.

"It is very frustrating. But I don't like going on about it. I really want to concentrate on the players I have got here at this moment in time.

"I know what I need to make us better but while I haven't got those players, I have to try to make the best out of what I have got here.

"There is a good group of lads and I can't be down on them all of the time. I have to build them up and get the results we are after."

Athletic (possible, 4-2-3-1): Ben Wilson; Brian Wilson, Clarke, Gerrard, Hunt; Fane, Banks; McLaughlin, Gardner, Obadeyi; Davies.

Subs (from): Edmundson, Dummigan, Stott, Green, Flynn, Fawns, Osei, Amadi-Holloway, Duffus.