Smalley urged to have self-belief

Smalley is contracted to stay with Latics until 2011

Oldham Athletic manager John Sheridan has told striker Deane Smalley he needs to have more self-belief.

The 20-year-old, who has scored two League One goals this season, was preferred to Andy Liddell in the 3-1 weekend win against Stockport.

Sheridan told BBC Radio Manchester: "I thought in the first half against Stockport he was unbelievable. He just has to get self-belief.

"His biggest problem is he doesn't believe in himself enough."

He added: "I do keep trying to get it into his head. He's got a little run in the side now, that was his third game. I thought he did well last week in patches too and obviously he scored against Hartlepool.

"He's just got to get confidence in his game because I think he's got every attribute to be a player but it's belief more than anything else. I can only speak to him.

"He's the one who's got to go out and do it but first half on Saturday he was a big threat and caused them loads of problems."