Dickov calls for ‘big effort’

ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov is looking for his team to put their best foot forward again in the big derby clash with Huddersfield tomorrow.

A performance full of pace, power and precision was enough to see off Lee Clark’s promotion hopefuls at Boundary Park as Oumare Tounkara’s solitary goal settled the previous trans-Pennine clash in mid-November.

Dickov’s men suffered disappointment last time out as they were pegged back to draw 1-1 at home with Dagenham and Redbridge.

But Athletic — now unbeaten in six — have showed their penchant for bouncing back this season.

And they will certainly need to be at their best to test the Terriers, themselves on a run of seven without losing in npower League One.

“Huddersfield is a derby and it is a big, big game for us,” said Dickov, who looks set to name an unchanged line-up for the third match in succession.

“It will be difficult for us as they are on a great run at the moment.

“But as we saw when we played them at Boundary Park, that day everyone from one to 11 was on the front foot.

“We will need another big effort from them tomorrow.

“Huddersfield have shown in the last six weeks what they can do.

“It will be a test for us, but one we are all looking forward to because we feel we can go there and pick up something.”

Dickov should have striker Warren Feeney available despite him taking a slight knock to an ankle, while fellow front man Reuben Reid is “not far off” full match fitness.

“We play a high-intensity game and it will take him (Reid) a little while to settle in,” Dickov added. “But he will be a massive threat for us.”

Huddersfield are still missing striker Jordan Rhodes (ankle ligaments), but Cedric Evina’s former Arsenal youth team colleague Benik Afobe, on loan from the Emirates, is available.

Gary Naysmith is likely to step back in at left-back after being rested for the 3-0 home win over Carlisle in midweek.