Blackpool test excites Dickov

Alex Cisak... bruised finger.

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ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov will field his strongest line-up against Blackpool tomorrow as he pits his wits against a “proper football man”.

Ian Holloway brings his Tangerines outfit, renowned for their swashbuckling style in the Premier League last season, to Boundary Park (3pm kick-off) for what promises to be an attractive friendly clash.

Dickov will ready his whole squad for the game — bar goalkeeper Alex Cisak, who sits it out with a bruised finger — but with an eye on the start of the npower League One season in two weeks’ time, will name the best side he can.

“I know Ollie well and his teams play football the right way,” Dickov said.

“He is a proper football man who studies the game. From my point of view, it is great to test myself against someone of his calibre and for the players, it provides something a bit different.

“The last time we were in any sort of game like this was against Mossley. Pre-season is about progression — team-wise, fitness-wise and football-wise — and hopefully we can show that again tomorrow.

“Everybody will be stripped to play, though obviously some players need more game-time than others.

“We are still looking to bring new players in.

“But obviously we need to look towards the Sheffield United game now and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that the players who play for the most minutes are those who are currently in line for that.”

With Cisak out, goal-keeping duties will fall to youth-team pair Dale Connor and Luke Simpson. Centre-back Zander Diamond will make his first showing in front of home support, as will striker Matt Smith.

Blackpool, who have sold midfield duo Charlie Adam and David Vaughan to Liverpool and Sunderland respectively, could field new left-back Bob Harris, who has signed from Queen of the South after a successful loan spell.

Wales right-back Neal Eardley makes a return to the club at which he came through the ranks and Brett Ormerod, who had a loan spell with Athletic cut short in 2008 due to injury, could also play.

Vastly experienced striker Kevin Phillips is set to turn out, fresh from making his bow in a Blackpool shirt in a 2-0 home friendly loss to Rangers on Tuesday.