Dickov’s faith in young guns

DAVID MELLOR . . . quickfire impact.

Great bunch to work with - Latics boss
PAUL Dickov wants to make his best young talent feel right at home in the first team.

After sealing a 2-1 home friendly win over Blackpool thanks to goals from Matt Smith and 17-year-old midfielder David Mellor, the Athletic boss again looks set to field a fresh-faced line-up for tomorrow's home friendly with Burnley (7.45pm kick-off).

Athletic ended the Tangerines clash with no less than eight home-grown players on the field.

And Mellor's smashed free-kick only two minutes after emerging into the fray in the second half gave an indication as to the rich promise held in many of the club's teenagers.

"David has got a lovely left foot on him, he really has," said Dickov, who also praised the contribution of rookie striker Smith in a pleasing all-round display.

"He is a young boy who has a lot of learning to do. With him and the likes of Matty Carr, Connor Hughes, Carl Winchester and Kirk Millar, there are a lot of young kids coming through.

"What they have to learn is to relax a bit when they go out there. It can sometimes be a bit like rabbits in headlights at times and I don't want that from them.

"I want players to go out, regardless of whether they are 36 or 16, and enjoy playing football and trying to do the right things.

"We are getting that from them at the moment. They are a great bunch to work with, though there is still a long way for them to go."

Dickov also pronounced himself pleased with the work done by his men when not in possession, against a strong Blackpool line-up featuring many players who took part in their Premier League campaign last term.

"The main thing, again, is the progression of the team with the ball and in terms of fitness," he added.

"The pleasing thing is, we are working hard without the ball. We have a really good team shape and everyone is working hard for each other.

"I still feel there is room for improvement and that is what we have got to strive for, looking ahead to two weeks' time and then through the season."

Athletic still hope to tie up more deals for players soon, including a striker.

"Paul is still working very hard to bring in one or two more, in various positions," said Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy.