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Sheridan will mix it up for cup

Fred Austin
26/ 8/2008

OLDHAM boss John Sheridan will break up a winning side tonight when the Latics take on Championship outfit Burnley in the second round of the Carling Cup.

The League One table toppers boast a 100 per cent record but that will not stop Sheridan from making changes.

Goalkeeper Mark Crossley, skipper Sean Gregan, Saturday's hat-trick hero Lee Hughes and veteran midfielder Andy Liddell are all likely to be rested.

And that could leave the way open for new signing Gary Fleming, Dutch defender Stefan Stam, winger Deane Smalley and striker Chris O'Grady to start.

"There will be changes. I have a big squad and it is important to give players games," Sheridan said.

"It will be a good time to rest some and throw one or two others in to give them match action.

"Games are coming thick and fast but, hopefully, whatever team I put out will be good enough."

Revenge

Oldham are out for revenge after losing 3-0 Turf Moor in the same round last season.

But Sheridan insisted: "We will again be the underdogs but we are going there to win.

"I want to go as far as possible in a competition that gives the chance of pulling a Premiership club.

"It will be hard and a good test against a higher division side but we have got off to an excellent start and Burnley have yet to win a game.

"We will certainly be going with plenty of confidence."

Meanwhile, promising left back Paul Black has been loaned to Blue Square Premiership side Barrow.

Sheridan has let the 18-year-old go for a month to the club where younger brother Darren is the joint-manager.

Black made his debut in a 2-1 win at home to Mansfield on Saturday and kept his place in the side for yesterday's trip to York City.

Black's first team opportunities are limited following a spate of new signings at Boundary Park.

He said: "It is good to be involved in first team football and I am enjoying myself."