Latics put their faith in Ricardo

PHYSICAL PRESENCE . . . Ricardo Fuller will add power to the Athletic attack and may go straight into the team to face Sheffield United on Saturday.

RICARDO Fuller is set to boost Athletic’s front line options by signing for the club ahead of the big Sheffield United game this weekend.

The powerful, 35-year-old forward, a free agent who has played mostly in the top two divisions, is set to sign a short-term deal to add experience and pace to the club’s forward line.

Fuller — best known for successful spells at Preston and Stoke — has recently been on trial at the club.

And with a fitness assessment completed the Jamaican, who most recently turned out for Blackpool and Millwall in the Championship, is expected to sign an initial three-month deal.

Fuller will add a much-needed extra body to a forward line missing the ineligible Michael Higdon for the clash. The Blades is Higdon’s home club.

Speaking last night, m anager David Dunn confirmed Fuller and fellow trialist forward Febian Brandy are still at the club.

“We need to get fitness into them, but they are looking good and sharp, so we might be able to do something in the next week or so.”

Dunn said recent loan signings were needed to strengthen the squad, and hinted that young summer signing George Green, who has hardly played at all since joining from Everton, has off-field problems.

“We felt we needed strengthening,” Dunn added. “Rhys Turner has gone to York, which we felt he needed, and we have a few issues with George.”