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No fear at Elland Road

14/ 8/2008

JOHN Sheridan believes his Oldham Athletic players should have nothing to fear when they travel to Leeds United on Saturday.

Having seen his side start the 2008/09 campaign with victories against Rochdale and Millwall, Sheridan points to Latics' 3-1 win at Elland Road on New Year's Day as an example of what can be achieved.

Goals from Reuben Hazell, Neal Trotman and Craig Davies had put Latics 3-0 up at half-time on the way to a richly deserved three points.

Sheridan said: “It's an excellent game against the biggest club in our division. I've said it before but these are the games you want to play in.

“They're a massive club and there'll be a massive crowd but their players don't frighten me - and that's not being disrespectful - and I think we can go there and give a good account of ourselves.

“I think there'll be over 30,000 (supporters) there. They're very passionate fans who expect them to go up this season, so we've got to go there and show we're a decent team.

“I know it's going to be a very hard game if they get on top, so it's important we go there and keep the fans quiet, take control of the game and get the job done.”

Kelvin Lomax and Kevin Maher could be back in contention after missing Tuesday's Carling Cup victory at Rochdale, although Latics will be without Craig Davies following his red card at Spotland.

That opens the door for Chris O'Grady or Lewis Alessandra to start up front alongside Lee Hughes.

O'Grady impressed in pre-season, although Alessandra has had the better start to the season proper with a goal against Millwall and a busy display at Spotland.

Sheridan said: “I'd be happy putting any of this squad in. If I was a player, I'd love to be put in for a game like that.

“I thought (Deane) Smalley was excellent the other night. I didn't want to take him off but it was a tactical decision even though he wa sone of our better players in my eyes.

“He didn't play the first game but came in and I've told him I want him pushing Lidds (Andy Liddell) and Lidds to push him.

“I thought Stammy (Stefan Stam) did well when he came on and that's what I want, everyone pushing each other.”