Dickov’s salute to generous Gunners

PUT IT THERE . . . Athletic boss Paul Dickov welcomes loan signing Cedric Evina.

Arsenal connection leads to Evina loan capture

PAUL Dickov has paid tribute to his former club for letting Athletic have Cedric Evina for absolutely nothing.

The 18-year-old, who normally operates at left-back or on the left side of midfield, has signed for a month’s loan from Arsenal with a view to a longer stay at Boundary Park.

And Dickov thanked his former Gunners team-mate Steve Bould, head of the under-18s set-up at the Emirates Stadium, for his part in organising a deal in which Athletic won’t spend a penny.

“I have watched Cedric quite a few times,” said Dickov. “He is quick, very good on the ball, young and hungry to do well.

“It is fantastic for us and gives plenty of options as he can play at left-back, on the left of midfield or in central midfield.

“I have to thank Arsenal for handing us a player who they have very high hopes for.”

Cameroon-born Evina has lived in London since moving to this country at the age of nine and has come through the feted youth ranks with Arsenal.

Last season’s youth team captain, Evina faced plenty of competition at the Emirates with Gael Clichy, Kieran Gibbs, Armand Traore and Thomas Cruise all vying for a slot at left-back.

The new man comes into contention for a place in the squad when Athletic take on Brentford, who beat Leyton Orient 5-4 on penalties in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last night, this weekend.

And Dickov, who played most of the second half in yesterday’s 2-1 friendly win over Grimsby Town, may hand himself a chance in the absence of Warren Feeney, who is on international duty with Northern Ireland.

“I felt quite sharp even though I only planned to have 15 or 20 minutes on the pitch after training with the first team that morning,” said the Athletic boss, who came on in place of a triallist who pulled a hamstring.

“My fitness isn’t quite there yet though.”

Dean Kelly was on the scoresheet in the behind-closed-doors game, and also set up the winner, his parried shot being turned in by an unnamed Premier League triallist — one of three players out to impress Dickov.

Other first-team squad members involved in the game were Evina, Greg Fleming, Kelvin Lomax, Jean-Francois Cristophe, Sean Gregan, Ryan Brooke and Joe Jacobson.