JOHN Sheridan is hoping Dylan Bahamboula can make up for lost time, and missed games.

The Latics playmaker has had to sit out games against Bradford, Colchester and Crawley after his second half dismissal in the 3-3 draw at Newport County.

Oldham have managed to stay unbeaten in his absence, but Sheridan is looking for a positive reaction from Bahamboula on his return to the squad for the crunch clash with Carlisle United at Boundary Park.

“Dylan’s back. It’s a boost, he adds something different to the team and the squad and hopefully he can pay us back. He’s missed three games when he shouldn’t have,” said the head coach. "The lads have performed really well and hopefully he can come back into the squad and into the team and if he’s used he’s alive and ready to play.”

Sheridan admitted he never considered appealing Bahamboula’s straight red card for his challenge on Matt Dolan.

“No, it was just one of those silly challenges and sometimes it’s not worth appealing if you think you’re not going to get anything,” he explained.

“It’s gone now, he’s missed the three games and there’s not a lot we can do about it now.

“Hopefully he won’t do it again.”