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Take a leaf out of veteran's book

Gavin Browne
4/ 8/2008

JOHN Sheridan has challenged his players to follow Andy Liddell's example if they are serious about becoming first-team regulars.

Following Athletic's 1-0 defeat at Bradford City last weekend, Sheridan heaped praise on the 35-year-old for his displays in pre-season.

Having been a regular during his three years at Boundary Park, Liddell has found his place under threat from the likes of Deane Smalley and Chris Taylor.

Nevertheless, he has shone in pre-season and, despite only playing 45 minutes at the Coral Windows Stadium, he was Athletic's busiest player.

Sheridan said: "I've got 22 players and I can only pick 11 and five subs, so some won't be on the bench. They've got to push harder than they have to get in the team.

"They want to take a leaf out of Andy Liddell's book because he's saying 'you're going to have to play me'.

"He's an excellent professional, a very good player and I'm hoping he'll be very good for us this season.

"He's got a brilliant attitude, he comes in and trains properly; some of the other players come in and think they can turn it on but it won't happen - I see right through them.

"I say to them that they have to think about what makes the game easy because I don't think some of them do, but I'll keep telling them."