Most of the 19-year-old's career has been spent at right-back - the position he also plays at international level for Wales - but was moved into a midfield berth for the last four games of the season.

The Latics won three of them, with Eardley hitting two goals against Crewe on the last day of the season to leave Sheridan pondering if his future lies in the middle of the park.

Sheridan told the Oldham Evening Chronicle: "Neal has given me something to think about. I might have another look at him when we come back for pre-season.

"He did very well the first time he played in midfield (at home to Leyton Orient) and then he has come up with two really excellent goals (at Crewe)."

Eardley is already approaching 100 senior appearances for the Latics and was thought to be the club's youngest captain when, at the age of 18, he took the armband for part of last season.