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New boy Darren shoots for the top

Gavin Browne
17/11/2008

NEW signing Darren Byfield insisted he could be the man to help fire Latics back into League One's top two during his month-long loan spell.

The 32-year-old, who arrived from Doncaster Rovers on Friday, made his debut 24 hours later as Athletic won 1-0 at Northampton Town.

With his new team a point off the play-offs and only five behind leaders Scunthorpe United, Byfield believes he could have a productive stay at Boundary Park.

He said: "I just want to play games, especially the way John Sheridan likes to play, it's perfect for me and I'll believe I'll get a few goals this month.

"I've got to work out people's strengths and weaknesses, where they like to play the ball. After the first 15 minutes I got a good touch which breeds confidence.

"I thought it was a great performance to be honest, I thought the lads did well because it's not an easy place to come."

Byfield's debut saw him paired with Lee Hughes up front, the duo showing signs of a possible fruitful partnership. However, there was one early blip in the system when Byfield elected to shoot from the tightest of angles, firing off target as a result, with Hughes and Chris Taylor in better positions.

Byfield said: "I thought there was a good understanding apart from the time when I should have cut it back to him, but that'll come.

"It's about being aware, using your vision, but I got excited at that moment. Hughesy's a good player, we linked up well and it can only get better."