Athletic to meet Scunthorpe in cup

ATHLETIC have been handed a tough trip to Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup first round.

The Iron, who sealed Championship survival at the end of a season which saw them beat Newcastle United 2-1, represent a stern test for Paul Dickov’s side.

Dickov said: “Even though we would have preferred a home tie I think it’s a decent draw for us.

“They are in a higher league so it’s a chance to test ourselves against tough opposition.”

Rochdale face a Roses battle at Barnsley.

The full draw is:

First-round draw: Hartlepool United v Sheffield United; Leicester City v Macclesfield Town; Walsall v Tranmere Rovers; Carlisle United v Huddersfield Town; Stockport County v Preston North End; Barnsley v Rochdale; Morecambe v Coventry City.

Doncaster Rovers v Accrington Stanley; Chesterfield v Middlesbrough; Peterborough United v Rotherham United; Bradford City v Nottingham Forest; Leeds United v Lincoln City; Sheffield Wednesday v Bury; Scunthorpe United v ATHLETIC; Crewe Alexandra v Derby County.

Exeter City v Ipswich Town; Southend United v Bristol City; Southampton v AFC Bournemouth; Brentford v Cheltenham Town; Queens Park Rangers v Port Vale; Torquay United v Reading; Norwich City v Gillingham; Stevenage v Portsmouth.

Shrewsbury Town v Charlton Athletic; Cardiff City v Burton Albion; Northampton Town v Brighton & Hove Albion; Swansea City v Barnet; Plymouth Argyle v Notts County; Wycombe Wanderers v Millwall; Oxford United v Bristol Rovers.

Milton Keynes Dons v Dagenham & Redbridge; Hereford United v Colchester United; Yeovil Town v Crystal Palace; Aldershot Town v Watford; Swindon Town v Leyton Orient.

Ties will be played during the week commencing August 9.

Meanwhile, Dickov is being tipped to bang in the goals during the new League One campaign – if he picks himself.

The former Arsenal and Manchester City striker will train alongside his players in pre-season to assess his own fitness.

Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said: “He can still do a job at this level.

“Obviously the pedigree is there and I’m sure Paul can score goals in this division if he decides to play.

“He certainly isn’t carrying any injuries at the moment. It’s just going to be a case of getting out there on the training pitch and then maybe taking part in some of the friendlies.”

Dickov’s never-say-die attitude is sure to keep the rest of the players on their toes when pre-season training officially gets under way on Monday, June 28.

Hardy admitted the new boss is yet to confirm who will skipper the side.

While there is no indication Sean Gregan will lose the armband, Dickov is keeping an open mind.

Added Hardy: “Paul hasn’t said who the captain will be.

“It’s part of his promise that everyone starts with a clean slate. The captaincy is his decision and he will take his time.”