Dickov’s dilemma

Warren Feeney: national call-up may force manager to play

Feeney call could see Latics boss step in
WARREN Feeney’s call-up to the Northern Ireland international squad could lead to manager Paul Dickov naming himself on the substitutes’ bench.

Feeney will miss Athletic’s televised home game against Tranmere Rovers on Monday, March 28 (7.45pm kick-off) as a result of being named in manager Nigel Worthington’s 23-strong party to face Serbia and Slovenia.

The 30-year-old (pictured) has regularly been brought into the international fold this season despite finding things difficult on the pitch in his club football.

The former Stockport County striker has one goal to his name this term, in a losing cause at Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup. His last league goal came North of the border while on loan to Dundee United from Cardiff, when he scored in a 2-1 win at Hibs on May 2, 2009.

Despite his lack of goals, when not selected to start games by Dickov, a fit Feeney has at least been a regular among the Athletic substitutes.

On Saturday at Leyton Orient, when in search of a late equaliser Dickov opted to use the height of substitute defender Neal Trotman rather than turn to Feeney or fellow front man Reuben Reid.

Ryan Brooke is an obvious replacement for Feeney when he embarks on his travels.

But Dickov — who has hinted in recent weeks that he may throw himself into the fray when fully fit — could provide the sort of experience that Athletic are in need of.

That is especially true given the possible importance of the Tranmere match. Athletic’s two fixtures before that are at home to npower League One leaders Brighton on Saturday and then a tough midweek away trip to Colchester United three days later.

More points are still needed to stave off fears of a bottom-four finish. Athletic’s form has evaporated of late and goals have all-but completely dried up.

Since beating Hartlepool 4-0 at Boundary Park at the star of February, Athletic have scored only three times in nine matches.

Feeney travels with Northern Ireland to face Serbia on Friday, March 25, and follows that up with a home game in Belfast against Slovenia on Tuesday, March 29. Both are Euro 2012 qualifiers.


RITCHIE Jones is set to be fit for the visit of Brighton to Boundary Park on Saturday.
The midfielder pulled out of the trip to Leyton Orient due to a tight hamstring.


LEE Duxbury takes charge of a young Athletic reserves side who face an away game at Shrewsbury tonight (7pm kick-off).
Senior players Reuben Reid, Ryan Brooke and Lewis Alessandra — none of whom saw any action for the first team at Orient — are all out to impress in the totesport.com League clash.