Taylor out to grab his chance

LEWIS Alessandra will be out of action for between three and five weeks after sustaining a tear in a calf muscle.

The 21-year-old suffered the injury in training on the eve of the trip to Charlton and was replaced in the starting line-up by Chris Taylor.

Rather than focus on the negative, Athletic manager Paul Dickov wants Taylor to take his chance in Alessandra's absence and rediscover the form that once made him one of League One's hottest properties.

“It is a blow for us as Lewi has been a big player for us," said Dickov.

“We gave Chris Taylor close to 65 minutes and, as we have seen with Oumare (Tounkara), the more game time they get the better they get.

“So as much as it is a disappointment losing Lewi, it is a bonus having Chris in there.

“Because if you get a fully-fit Chris Taylor, he is probably one of the best players in this division.

“He has trained well and looked sharp and as I have said to them all, if you are in the team, stay in the team.

“When they get the chance they have to take it. Chris did a lot of hard work for the team and fitness-wise and confidence-wise he will be a lot better for that.”