Strike pair will come good — Dickov

GAME-TIME is the key factor in getting new strike pairing Reuben Reid (pictured, left) and Oumare Tounkara working effectively together.

That is the verdict of Athletic manager Paul Dickov, who admits his new-look front two have yet to hit the heights.

Reid, who signed for the club on a permanent deal from West Brom last month, has missed a good opportunity in two games running that he may well have stuck away had he been fully up to speed fitness-wise.

Tounkara has also looked out of sorts in the last couple of matches and Athletic have gone on a run of 220 minutes without scoring.

Dickov isn’t too worried, though, and feels things will come right for the pair.

“It will take time for Reuben to get his match fitness and then to get a partnership going,” Dickov said.

“I know what it is like when you are a forward.

“They have both got quality and we know what they can give us, but for whatever reason it didn’t happen against Carlisle.”

The Carlisle game was Chris Taylor’s first as captain of the club and his manager feels the home-town midfielder deserved the accolade.

“Chris has been excellent,” Dickov added. “He has played a lot of games for the football club and in the last three or four months has been one of our best players.

“With Reuben (Hazell) and Dale (Stephens) out, I just felt it was right to give him the armband.

“He put a lot of effort in to being fit as he has still got a nasty whack on his leg (from Huddersfield). He put his body on the line for us.”