John Sheridan has been handed a timely pre-match boost after Football League officials rubber-stamped Neil Kilkenny's loan move.

Latics officials were awaiting confirmation of the 21-year-old's long-term loan from Birmingham City, and all the relevant paperwork has now been received.

Playmaker Kilkenny signed on the dotted line yesterday, and will stay at Boundary Park on loan until at least January 1.

The move was originally scheduled to go through last week, only for Steve Bruce to shelve a loan deal after pulling out of a £3million swoop for Hossam Ghaly.

However the Brum boss boosted his squad yesterday by signing Johan Djourou on loan from Arsenal, and sanctioned Kilkenny's move north.

Of course, the Australian international is no stranger to Latics fans following his previous loan spell at the club.

The Enfield-born midfielder made 27 appearances (4 goals) and helped Latics avoid the drop in 2004/05, and reportedly rejected the advances of a host of Championship clubs to return to Boundary Park.

Latics SMS Text Alert subscribers received this news FIRST and FAST -- and before ANYONE else!  Click here to find out more.