The Oldham Chronicle reports that new striker Lee Hughes could be handed his debut for Athletic in Saturdays visit to Hartlepool. With Dean Smalley (pictured) having to leave the game with a damaged medial knee ligament problem at Burnley last night, and with the forwards scoring three consecutive ducks the Latics boss is running out of options. Smalley could be out for up to six weeks.Sheridan said, "Lee's goalscoring record is second to none, and I've had a good chat with him and he seems like a nice lad. I'm pleased to get him on board. If he's anything like the player he used to be, he's going to be a great asset to this club. Obviously he has a lot to prove, but I'll have a look at him in the next couple of days and it will be my decision when he starts playing. If he looks sharp in training by the end of the week, you never know."
Sheridan was undecided when he spoke to the official website on the matter. He said, "The decision is down to me. Lee will train towards the end of the week. He's available for Saturday but whether he will play I do not know. We'll get him ready as soon as we can, but Saturday might be a bit too early. I will have a good look at Lee. I know he is really up for a game but I don't know what level he's at."