Frenchman's opportunity to impress

Photo: Darren Robinson

STEPHEN ROBINSON . . . looking to bring in four players.

OUSMANE Fane could add a dash of French flair in Athletic's engine room next season.

As the club expected to confirm the signing of experienced ex-Leeds man Paul Green today, talks are planned to further bolster the midfield by adding a further, considerable physical presence.

Fane, a rangy 22-year-old, performed well during the friendly defeat to Wigan and is again going to be involved at Grimsby on Saturday.

Formerly of Norwegian club Lyn FK, he stands at 6ft 3in tall and impressed in the latter half of 2015-16 after joining Kidderminster where he remains on the books.

RELEGATED

Signing an 18-month deal in February, Fane could not prevent the Harriers from being relegated but did well enough in his 20 starts to help the club pick up seven wins in the latter half of the campaign - compared to only two before Christmas.

And his style has even invited a comparison to a famous compatriot and World Cup and European Championship winner.

"'Oz' has come in and it's difficult for trialists being thrown in as they are not entirely sure what we want," said Athletic manager Stephen Robinson.

"The boy has definitely got something and we will keep him with us for the rest of the week and get some game-time into him at Grimsby as well.

"He's a wee bit like Patrick Vieira in the way he plays and how he looks - if he makes it that far we will all benefit from that!

"He's a boy we have had our eyes on and we have him in now to have a closer look."

Green has agreed a deal to make Athletic the sixth club of his career. At 33, the Pontefract-born player was a trainee at Sheffield Wednesday before leaving for Doncaster where he played a major role in the rise of the club from non-league through to the Championship.

Seven years with Rovers were followed by four with Derby County where he won the first of 20 caps for the Republic of Ireland. After his return from Euro 2012, he moved to Leeds and two seasons at Elland Road were followed by two at Rotherham.

Green was released after the end of last season, when he played 26 times for the Millers during their successful escape from the drop to League One.

SENIOR

In total, he has made 545 senior appearances over 15 years, scoring 56 goals.

Athletic boss Robinson is also currently running the rule over a Belgian winger in training ahead of the game at Blundell Park.

FORMER Athletic striker Leon Clarke has moved to Sheffield United from Bury in exchange for an undisclosed fee.

Clarke, who played five times and scored three goals for the club nine years ago, has signed a three-year contract at Bramall Lane.

ATHLETIC have been paired with Carlisle, Fleetwood and Blackburn in the group stage of the EFL Trophy.