Focused on Latics

SHERIDAN: We know what’s required and what we’ve got to do to get there’

JOHN Sheridan doesn’t care about anyone else — only on getting the results that will propel his improving Athletic team out of the drop zone.

As Athletic gear up for tonight’s game at faltering Peterborough — where Oldham will hope to extend their unbeaten run to five games — it’s getting a bit tight at the bottom end of the table.

Stuttering Doncaster and even Rochdale could get dragged into the scrap - but the form of teams around Athletic is of no concern to Sheridan.

Sheridan said: “I’m not even looking at anyone else at the moment. Like I’ve said before, we just need to concentrate on ourselves. You can look at who’s got games in hand, but we know what’s required and what we’ve got to do to get there.

“If we don’t get those eight or nine wins I mentioned a few weeks ago then we’ll get relegated, but right now we’re focused on winning the next game.”

Spirits at Athletic have lifted this week following Saturday’s terrific win against promotion-chasing Gillingham.

“It’s been a good feeling because the club hasn’t had it a lot this season,” said the manager. “The fans were brilliant again so I was chuffed for them, but I was also chuffed for the players because they’ve had a difficult time.

“We won’t get carried away after winning one game, but it was a big relief. We’ve just got to carry that on. Those kind of performances will win games.”

Sheridan has revealed he is confident of extending the loan deal of Burton Albion attacking midfielder Matty Palmer.

He has been a revelation since joining Athletic, though his current agreement is due to expire after Saturday’s match at Scunthorpe.

Sheridan said: “We’ll be trying to sort out something this week. I know he’s enjoying it here because he’s playing football. Burton are doing well so hopefully there won’t be any difficulties in extending his stay.”

Mike Jones, Brian Wilson and Dominic Poleon continue to make progress as they recover from injuries, but none will be available again in time for tonight’s trip.