Feeney ‘will come good’

WARREN FEENEY in action for Northenr Ireland

WARREN Feeney has been backed to shine for Athletic by his manager Paul Dickov.

The Northern Ireland forward, who has had a difficult start to his career at the club, has been called up by his national team manager Nigel Worthington for the friendly against Morocco on Wednesday, November 17.

It means the 29-year-old — the the highest-profile of manager Dickov’s summer signings — is likely to miss the big home game against Huddersfield on Saturday week in preparation for the game at Windsor Park four days later.

Feeney has already played four times for Northern Ireland this season, starting in three Euro 2012 qualifiers against Slovenia, Italy and the Faroe Islands.

A combination of those call-ups and niggling injuries have restricted the former Luton Town and Cardiff City man to only five starts for Athletic this season.

The good form of other forward options in Dickov’s squad has also hampered Feeney’s progress.

“I feel for Warren,” Dickov said. “He is frustrated at the moment and we are frustrated as we know there is so much more to come from him.

“He has had a couple of injuries that have kept him out and he has been away on international duty which has kept him out.

“I have been there before as a striker when it is not quite happening for you and you try too hard.

“We all know the quality Warren has got and he will come good, I have no doubt about it.”

Feeney started for Athletic’s reserves last night, who slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Preston at Bamber Bridge in the totesport.com League.

A late goal from North End captain Barry Nicholson did for Lee Duxbury’s side, who were forced to play more than half an hour with 10 men after winger Filipe Morais kicked out at Daniel Devine.

The Portuguese winger is now likely to be hit by an immediate three-match ban from all football, starting with this Saturday’s FA Cup first round tie at Accrington Stanley.

Ryan Brooke scored the first goal of the game, which was equalised by an effort from Vladislav Mirkev.

A player who definitely won’t play any further part in Athletic’s season is Jean-Francois Cristophe.

The French midfielder was at the club on a non-contract basis, but has opted to return to his home country after the two parties agreed to cancel the deal.