Dickov facing frontline dilemma

Dean Kelly is likely to start at Brighton.

ATHLETIC striker Warren Feeney is rated as a big doubt for the trip to Brighton.

The 29-year-old turned his ankle late in the victory over Bournemouth. Feeney has made only four starts this season as a result of a combination of international duties with Northern Ireland and injury.

Feeney was helped off the pitch, clearly in pain, and had treatment from club physio Marc Czuczman yesterday.

At present, it isn’t thought to be more serious than a severe sprain. But Feeney’s absence would give Paul Dickov a headache and could lead to the player-boss taking up a place on the bench for only the second time this season.

Dean Kelly is the likeliest man to partner Oumare Tounkara up front should Feeney not make the trip south for Saturday’s npower League One fixture.

The former Ireland amateur international, still hunting down his first goal for Athletic, came on as a substitute to good effect at the weekend to help turn around a losing position.

Dickov apart, other striking options are scarce.

Djeny Bembo-Leta is out for at least four months having fractured a fibula. The injury, which occurred during a training-ground accident when Dale Stephens accidentally fell on him, is to the lower part of his leg. The player is awaiting a scan to discover if there is also any ligament damage which could keep him out even longer.

Ryan Brooke has resumed light training following his ankle ligaments injury but isn’t ready for action yet, while another option open to Dickov could be to push Lewis Alessandra forward into a roving role behind Tounkara.

Of the other injured players, goalkeeper Greg Fleming is at a similar stage of fitness to Brooke and winger Phil McGrath is awaiting an operation on damaged knee ligaments.



ATHLETIC fans have been warned they will not be admitted to the Withdean Stadium on Saturday unless they have a match ticket, which must be purchased in advance from the office at Boundary Park.

Prices are £21 adults, £15 over-65s, £16.50 under-21s and students, £13.50 under-16s, £1 under-10s accompanied by an adult and £15 ambulant disabled, with carer free.

Wheelchair users are £15 and must be book their places by telephoning Brighton on (01273) 695400.