New loan striker targets immediate impression

EXPERIENCED front man Michael Higdon is hoping to make a big impact at Athletic after signing a three-month loan move from Sheffield United.

Thirty-two-year-old striker Higdon was tempted across the Pennines by Athletic boss David Dunn after seeing his first-team opportunities at Bramall Lane dwindle.

Higdon insists he has got plenty to offer his new club, and his goal-scoring record is certainly one to be proud of.

The 6ft 1in front-man began his career with Crewe before then spending six years in Scotland, where he scored 80 goals in around 200 appearances for Falkirk, St Mirren and Motherwell. He won the Scottish PFA Players’ Player of the Year award at the end of the 2012-13 campaign before moving to NEC Nijmegen in Holland for 2013-14 season, scoring 14 times.

Since moving to the Blades in summer 2014 he has scored five goals in 24 games, and is now hoping to make the most of this latest chapter in a largely-successful career.

“This just seemed like an ideal opportunity,” he said. “I’ve not played much football over the last two years for one reason or another, so hopefully I can get out there on Saturday and start getting a few goals. The manager wants me to score a few goals and try to lead from the front.

The player has no fitness issues so may be involved in Saturday’s Lancashire derby clash with Wigan at SportsDirect.com Park.

“Hopefully I will get in the team on Saturday and help them to three points.”