Matt has open mind over permanent move

Matt Palmer: the 21 year old has become an integral part of John Sheridan’s side

MATT Palmer isn’t ruling out a stay with Athletic beyond the end of this season.

The on-loan Burton player has been a revelation working under John Sheridan so far, and is out of contract at the Pirelli Stadium in the summer.

As he is only 21, a deal would have to be negotiated to allow a switch. Much could hinge on whether Athletic stay in league one, but for now at least Palmer says he is “loving” life at Oldham.

“I am really enjoying it here and the fans have been really good to me, as have the players and the staff who have been brilliant,” said the midfielder. “If things happen in the summer, we’ll just have to see what happens.”

Palmer argues that in the recent unbeaten run Athletic haven’t often looked like being beaten.

Palmer isn’t too concerned by the form of Athletic’s rivals near the bottom of the table and believes the side can win at Bramall Lane tomorrow.

“In the last seven games I don’t think we have ever looked like losing,” he said. “We have been the ones who have looked like turning draws into wins. We need to build on that at Sheffield United and then maybe we can get all three points.”

After the Blades, a crunch game awaits at home to Blackpool on Tuesday. Athletic certainly can’t afford to lose that one, though Palmer says the approach will remain consistent for all the remaining 13 games.

“It’s a big game - but that’s true of every game between now and the end of the season.”