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Bright future

27/ 2/2008

JOHN Sheridan believes his Oldham Athletic youngsters will have learned a lot from this season irrespective of whether the club reaches the League One play-offs or not.

Speaking after Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw at home to Swindon Town, Sheridan maintained that players such as Deane Smalley and Lewis Alessandra will benefit in the long run from their extended spells in the first team.

Sheridan said: "Sometimes you can see we have young players in the team. Whether we go anywhere or not this season, it’ll stand them in good stead for next season, but they have to believe in themselves, know what their strengths are and what makes you a better footballer.

"They’re young and naive but we’ve a good bunch of young players, probably six of whom against Swindon were either 20 or 21-year-olds.

"I do believe in them but it’s no good just me believing in them. I do honestly think we’ve got some good young players and I want them to express themselves.

"First and foremost, we have to improve them as players because it’s totally different playing first-team football. This season will do them the world of good whether we go anywhere or not."

Those players helped Latics maintain their unbeaten home league record in 2008 by taking a point from their visitors.

Having fallen behind to Lee Peacock’s first-half goal at Boundary Park, Athletic looked on course for three points when David Livermore and Mark Allott scored within five minutes of each other at the start of the second half.

However, defensive frailties allowed Peaccock a second in the 58th minute to leave Latics with a point going into Saturday’s match at Port Vale.

Sheridan admitted that the trip to Vale Park could be the start of an extended run in the side for Kelvin Lomax, a player who he rates highly.

He said: "I need to give him a good run in the team. He looks the most comfortable on the ball and it’s time I found a place in the team for him.

"He hasn’t done anything wrong when he’s been in the team this season and I think it’s time he got a regular spot. Now’s the right time to have a look at him."