Sheehan back in the shop window

ALAN SHEEHAN . . . jumped at the chance to join Athletic.

ALAN SHEEHAN is relishing first-team football at Boundary Park and believes it to be of far more benefit than reserve-team action at Leeds United.

But the 23-year-old is looking no further than his initial month with Athletic, whom he joined to ease an injury crisis which ruled out three left-backs.

Sheehan, who was out of favour at Leeds, jumped at the chance to join the Boundary Park club.

The former Eire under-21 international, who still has almost two years left of his contract at Leeds, said: “I have come here to play games and, whenever you are doing that, you are in the shop window.

“There is competition for the left-back spot at Leeds and the manager (Simon Grayson) felt it would be in my best interests to go out on loan to play some games.

“It is a lot better than playing in the reserves. I have settled in well and everybody has made me welcome.”

Sheehan, whose father Michael played semi-professionally for Athlone and Galway United in Ireland’s top division, kicked off his career with top Dublin club Belvedere before joining Leicester at the age of 16.

He spent five years at Leicester before Leeds boss Gary McAllister took him to Elland Road following a successful loan spell.

Sheehan has played for Ireland at every level up to under-21 and once faced Franck Ribery in an international against France.




ATHLETIC youngster Rene Steer is aiming to return to action next month after recovering from an horrific facial injury.



The 19-year-old, who was signed from Arsenal in the summer, sustained serious damage when he was struck in the face by a flying elbow in training.

Steer suffered severe injury to his jaw and teeth, prompting doctors at the Royal Oldham Hospital to refer him to specialists at North Manchester General.

He was detained overnight following surgery and was unable to speak for two weeks during which time he could only consume soup and other liquids.

Steer is based in Liverpool where he is staying at the home of another Athletic youngster, Phil Ojapah.




ATHLETIC’S Kickz project has been placed on the short list for a national award.



Club officials will be travelling to Wembley Stadium on October 29 in the hope of adding to the fair-play award they won at the national finals at Stamford Bridge.

The Boundary Park project has been nominated for the Kickz team achievement of the year award along with those of Charlton, Everton, Liverpool and West Brom.

The local under-14 and 16 teams have been recognised for their exceptional attitude while competing in the regional and national finals of the Kickz competitions.

Jamal Hussain is also in the running for the volunteer-of-the-year award.