Young star wants shirt for keeps

James Tarkowski: aims to keep that first team place

PROMISING young centre-back James Tarkowski has his sights set on keeping hold of his first-team shirt at the start of next season.

The 18-year-old defender has strung together a series of impressive displays in the heart of defence after a breakthrough campaign, earning the Chronicle’s ‘Star Man’ award against MK Dons in what was his fifth straight appearance in manager Paul Dickov’s line-up in the absence of captain Reuben Hazell.

“I have got a taste for playing in the first team now and I do not want it to stop,” said Tarkowski (pictured), one of nine men so far offered new professional contracts with Athletic from next season.

“I must be doing alright because I started the last five games. I was happy to get the nod when Reuben was out, because there are other good centre-backs here.

“The biggest differences I have noticed since stepping up to the first team are the pace of the match and the need to concentrate the entire time.

“It can be a bit tiring, but the only way to learn is to play and get that experience.

“I am looking forward to having a break, but I hope to come back and work hard to earn my place in the side.”

Tarkowski won’t have Dean Brill operating behind him next term.

The former Luton Town goalkeeper met with Dickov yesterday and was told that his mixed career with Athletic will come to an end when his contract expires in the summer.

The 25-year-old made a total of 63 appearances over two seasons at Boundary Park.


WARREN Feeney has been called into the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming Carling Nations Cup internationals later this month.
The Athletic striker has been chosen for games against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, May 24, and Wales three days later. Both matches are being played at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Kirk Millar and Carl Winchester are on stand-by for Northern Ireland’s under-21s’ European qualifier in the Faroe Islands on Tuesday, May 31.


Burnley warm-up
ATHLETIC have fixed up two pre-season friendlies, at Mossley on Tuesday, July 12, and Burnley at Boundary Park on Tuesday, July 26 (both 7.45pm kick-offs).

No admission prices have been set for the Mossley game, but against Championship outfit Burnley — who took on Athletic in a similar friendly in the last close-season — the cost is £10 adults and £5 concessions.