Do the Latics have the bottle?

Last updated : 23 February 2007 By The Chairman
Manager John Sheridan is still upbeat even after his side lost their last two games, only the second time this season that they have lost two on the trot. Shez is confident that his, sometimes patch-up, side have the bottle to bounce back and win the next two home games.

Sheridan said, "If we can bounce back with six points from the games against Bournemouth and Blackpool I'll be more than happy. That'll take us to nine points from the last five games, and if we replicate that until the end of season we will go up. It's important that we don't dwell on the last couple of games, as runs like that haven't happened to us too often this season. Saturday is a must-win game for us if we want to stay in the top two, and I'll be disappointed if we don't get the three points. We've got two massive games coming up and I believe we can win both of them. I don't want people getting depressed, we're second in the league! I believe we're the best team in this division and the players should be playing with smiles on their faces. If we've got injuries then I'll find a way around them. After all, that's what I'm here for!"

Bournemouth also have their problems with Josh Gowling, James Hayter and Warren Cummings all rated as doubtful for the game. All three players pulled out of training yesterday. Hayter felt a hamstring and Cummings is nursing a hip problem. Josh Gowling is struggling with a thigh complaint and Darren Anderton also missed training. Marcus Browning returned to training and Callum Hart, now with a week full training under his belt, could also be drafted into the squad. Stephen Purches is now fully fit although Sam Vokes is still out of action along with Steve Foley and Shaun Maher.