Boss explains selection decision

ATHLETIC boss Paul Dickov made two changes from the line-up selected for the abandoned derby against Rochdale for the FA Cup first-round tie at Accrington Stanley.

Kieran Lee and Dean Furman — arguably the two best performers for Athletic this season — dropped to the bench, where they remained unused in the 3-2 defeat.

Carl Winchester came in at right-back and Jason Jarrett was brought into the centre of midfield, though the latter player, who has been used as a back-up centre-half this season, had an unhappy game and was substituted at half-time.

There was a suggestion that Lee and Furman were being saved from a possible suspension for the Huddersfield game on Saturday, as both players are one booking away from a one-match ban.

But Dickov denied that played a part in his thinking, possibly not wanting to give his side any easy excuses for such a disappointing defeat.

“I decided to change it,” Dickov said.

“Jason Jarrett has been chomping at the bit and young Carl (Winchester) has been fantastic.

“We had no doubts about Carl whatsoever. We know what he is like in training and what he is like in youth team and reserve team games.

“You look at him, he looks like a baby. But he has a man’s head and mentally he is very strong.

“I was delighted for him.

“He is playing right-back at the moment but eventually I see him playing in the middle of the park.”