Murphy’s return an early Christmas gift for Latics

AMONG THE GOALS . . . Rhys Murphy has proved his ability to hit the target at Crawley.

RHYS Murphy will make a return to Athletic next week... and could be involved in the club’s festive double-header.

Approaching the end of his 93-day loan with Crawley in Sky Bet League Two, Murphy (25) has hit nine goals in 15 appearances, including a well-taken double strike on Saturday in a 3-2 win over Dagenham.

Crawley boss Mark Yates has spoken to his Athletic manager David Dunn about taking Murphy again when the transfer window opens on January 1, but regulations prevent him from keeping the player until then.

Former Arsenal trainee Murphy has struggled for form in an Athletic shirt. His only goal for the club was in his last appearance, in the 5-1 thrashing by Peterborough. His Oldham contract runs until summer 2017.

Dunn will now have Murphy available for the game at Blackpool on Boxing Day and at home to Doncaster on December 28. Dunn also has Rhys Turner back after a loan at York, where he appeared mainly as a substitute.

He suggested Murphy could yet play a part for Athletic this season: “There is always a chance with every player and the door is never shut for anyone,” said Dunn. “Rhys needed to get some games and that is what he has done at Crawley, where he has done well. He will be back before Christmas and I am sure he will be involved.”

Murphy had spoken last month about how he was enjoying his time at the West Sussex club.

“My aim is to keep scoring and then see what the situation is when my loan runs out,” he said.

“Hopefully, they think I am playing well enough to want to keep me.”

Athletic confront a major challenge in trying to topple Coventry at their Ricoh Arena home on Saturday.

The Sky Blues, resurgent this term under boss Tony Mowbray, are unbeaten at home in the league and boast the division’s top scorer in 13-goal striker Adam Armstrong.