13th January 2000 

Trialist staying

SHAUN GARNETT has given in-form Athletic a boost before Saturday's home game with Brentford. 

The big defender missed Tuesday's ill-fated Auto Windscreens Trophy tie with Stoke City because of a calf-muscle strain. But he has declared himself fit and raring to go for this weekend when Athletic will be seeking their third league win in a row following victories over Bournemouth and previously undefeated Wigan. 

Midfield maestro John Sheridan, rested in midweek when the game against Stoke was abandoned due to a power failure which blacked out the floodlights, will also be available to face Brentford. Manager Andy Ritchie said: "Shaun's injury wasn't too bad and he'll be okay for Saturday, while we just decide to give John a break in midweek. 

"We knew Neil Adams could occupy that central midfield role, so Tuesday was a chance to give him a go at it just in case the need arises at some later date." 

Not surprisingly, Ritchie says there are unlikely to be wholesale team changes this weekend. Strikers Paul Beavers and Craig Dudley, who are edging back to full fitness, are expected to be involved in the squad to keep up the pressure for places in attack. Finnish trialist Tero Karhu will get another chance to impress Athletic in the reserves next week. 

The 20-year-old left-sided midfielder made his debut in last night's 1-0 defeat at Port Vale but did not really sparkle. 

Ritchie said: "It was perhaps a lack of match sharpness and the fact he was thrown into the side so soon after arriving in the country. He's with us for a fortnight, though, so we'll have another look at him." 

A point last night would have put the reserves on top of the Pontins League premier division, but that honour went to Port Vale, who fielded a vastly-experienced team and won with a 44th-minute goal from Saji Burton. Ryan Sugden missed a great chance to equalise in the closing minutes and Ritchie said: "I think, on the balance of play and chances, our lads probably deserved a draw."