Green is looking up

PAUL GREEN . . . the Athletic midfielder says there is a great spirit in the camp

ATHLETIC are occupying a false position in Sky Bet League One and should be looking at the top-six, according to hard-running midfield man Paul Green.

A terrific performer so far, the 33-year-old former Republic of Ireland international has been one of manager Stephen Robinson's best signings since penning a one-year deal two months ago.

As one of four ever-presents in the league, former Derby and Leeds man Green has seen plenty of evidence that Athletic are a top-12 outfit at the very least.

And ahead of tomorrow's home clash with MK Dons, he believes that the goals will start flowing soon to send the club up the standings.

"The gaffer has been brilliant with me and there is a real morale and togetherness in that dressing room," said Green, the senior statesman in a young side along with Peter Clarke.

"I know we were favourites to go down at the start of the season but for me, we are a top-half team looking towards the play-offs. That's my honest opinion.

"The performances are there and it's just that finishing touch. There are fine lines at play between drawing and winning.

"We have to back it up at home now after the energetic performance at Charlton, where we bossed the game against a side that was fancied to push for promotion."

Green says that his advanced years are no barrier to performance and that his long career, that has taken in 241 Championship games as well as an appearance in Euro 2012, can be of benefit to others.

"People mention my age, but I feel as fit as I have ever done. I feel I can still get up and down the pitch and it's nice to have the old heads in the team to add experience, along with Clarkey at the back to give the young lads encouragement.

'DECENT LEVEL'

"I've played at a decent level all my career and it's nice to pass on information to other players."

Robinson is unlikely to make too many changes to the much-changed side that drew 1-1 at Charlton.

The main dilemma is whether to recall Lee Erwin, who impressed as a substitute, with Freddie Ladapo a possibility to drop to the bench.

Whoever plays, Green wants the team to put on a winning show for the home fans.

"It was great to see 180 fans travel down to London on a Tuesday night and they are the die-hard supporters," he said. "They were great all night and kept us going with their noise.

"We need to start winning. The performances are there and we need that final finish to get the three points."

Athletic (probable, 4-4-2): Ripley; Dummigan, Clarke, Burgess, Reckord; Flynn, Fane, Green, McLaughlin; Erwin, Mckay. Subs (from): Kettings, Law, Wilson, Dunne, Klok, Croft, Banks, Ladapo, Osei.

ATHLETIC chairman Simon Corney is a special guest speaker in the Broadway Suite before the MK Dons game, conducting a question-and-answer session with guests.

The price of the match day package is £65 per person plus VAT. Contact Jenny Warburton at jenny.warburton@oldhamathletic.co.uk or call 0161 785 5185.

TOMORROW'S fixtures in Sky Bet League One (all kick-offs 3pm): Wimbledon v Gillingham; Bolton v Oxford United; Bury v Scunthorpe; Charlton v Rochdale; Chesterfield v Bradford; Fleetwood v Sheffield United; Northampton v Bristol Rovers; ATHLETIC v MK Dons; Port Vale v Coventry; Shrewsbury v Swindon; Southend v Peterborough; Walsall v Millwall.