Latics boss in trophy vow

FIRST IMPRESSION . . . Jean-Yves Mvoto replaced Jason Jarrett in the centre of defence against Yeovil.

PAUL Dickov insists he will name the strongest possible side for tomorrow’s visit of Shrewsbury Town in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

While many managers see the competition as a chance to rest their first-choice players, Athletic’s manager is keen to put together a cup run this season and promised to name his best team for the first-round tie at Boundary Park (7.45pm kick-off).

“I want us to do well in competitions, whether it is the FA Cup or the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy,” said Dickov.

“I have been to watch Shrewsbury myself, it will be a tough game for us. They have had a good start to the season.”

Graham Turner’s side will arrive at Boundary Park in confident mood, having roared to a 4-0 win at Stockport County in their last outing.

Town are currently riding high in second place in npower League Two, with three wins and a draw from four matches played so far.

Dickov has a choice to make in the centre of defence.

Jason Jarrett served his one-match ban for the 0-0 home draw with Yeovil and could replace Jean-Yves Mvoto as current captain Reuben Hazell’s centre-back partner.

Warren Feeney will miss the first of two matches as a result of his international duties — he is away with the Northern Ireland squad ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifier in Slovenia on Friday night — which means a likely recall for Djeny Bembo-Leta up front.

There are no fresh injury concerns stemming from the weekend’s action.

The transfer window for permanent and long-term loan moves shuts tomorrow evening and there could be movement in and out of the club by then.

Athletic currently have five players — Joe Jacobson, Jon Worthington, Rob Purdie, Kelvin Lomax and Greg Fleming — on the transfer list.

The hope is that these players can be found new clubs, in order to free space in the manager’s wages budget for fresh additions.


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