Dowie won`t lose Hall

OLDHAM ATHLETIC manager Iain Dowie has no fears about losing highly-rated defender Fitz Hall during the winter transfer window.

A string of Premiership clubs have been monitoring the imposing centre half's progress since he joined The Latics from Chesham United last spring.

Hall has attracted the interest of Aston Villa, Blackburn, Liverpool and Middlesbrough following a plethora of impressive displays.

Latics chief Dowie is unsurprised at the weight of interest in the 22-year-old but is not contemplating cashing in on the stopper in the New Year.

"Fitz has got fantastic ability, he's a winner," said Dowie. "He's got great pace, he's good in the air, he can play the ball about on the ground and he's also got that little nasty streak that defenders need to succeed.

"I'd be amazed if there aren't several big clubs watching him. Can I keep hold of him when the transfer window re-opens? Of course I can.

"I want Fitz to play at the top and naturally so does he but I think he can do that with Oldham."