New recruit delights Dickov

PAUL Dickov believes new signing Jean-Francois Christophe will give him extra options in the long npower League One season ahead.

Christophe (23), is predominantly a central midfielder, but can also fill in at the heart of the defence or at right-back.

An unused substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Brighton, he penned a non-contract deal similar to team-mate Rodrigue Dikaba.

Christophe had been training at Boundary Park for two months following his summer release from Southend United.

The 6ft 1in tall Frenchman began his career with RC Lens before joining Portsmouth. He spent loan spells at Bournemouth, Yeovil Town and Southend, who signed him permanently until his free transfer departure from Roots Hall.

Dickov said: “Jean is going to give us options, which is important.

“He works ever so hard. Having trained with us for a while I have been impressed and was happy to keep him at the club.”

Kirk Millar (groin) and Sean Gregan (sore knee) both missed the trip to Brighton, as did striker Warren Feeney (ankle). Report and reaction on Pages 33-34.

Ryan Brooke, an unused substitute, was back in the squad for the first time since badly injuring his ankle in a pre-season friendly against Preston.

Deane Smalley, away on a month’s loan at Rochdale, came off the bench to play just under half-an-hour in a 1-1 home draw with Plymouth.

Athletic, currently in 10th place in the table — four positions below Rochdale — travel to Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow (7.45pm kick-off).

The Owls, relegated from the Championship last season, are on a poor run having lost their last four.

Southampton came away from Hillsborough with a 1-0 win on Saturday courtesy of a second-half Lee Barnard goal.



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