Action replay

Latics boss calls for strong performance
ATHLETIC will need to be robust in every department going in order to succeed at Colchester.

That is the belief of manager Paul Dickov, who is predicting the “toughest” game of the season so far for his in-form side.

The squad headed south today ahead of the fixture at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, with mid-table Athletic on the hunt for a third successive npower League One win against an imposing U’s side edged out 3-2 by Huddersfield in their last showing.

“Colchester were very unlucky to come away from Huddersfield with nothing,” said Dickov.

“They are a big strong team who play good football and they are a threat, especially at home.

“They make it hard for teams to go there. John Ward in an experienced and a fantastic manager and he has got his team set up very well.

“It will be a massive test for us mentally, physically and tactically. I am expecting possibly our toughest test so far.

“But the boys got a result at Scunthorpe by standing up, being strong, keeping their discipline and working their socks off. We will need all of that again at Colchester.”

Winger Josh Parker (knee) is fit and should to return to a wide role after coming off injured against Rochdale, Jean-Yves Mvoto is back from suspension for a likely place on the substitutes’ bench and David Mellor (illness) is also included in the travelling party.

However, tomorrow’s game has come too soon for James Tarkowski who, after overcoming a foot injury, requires match fitness.

“I want competition for places,” added Dickov, who is still searching for a goal scorer.

“We know the squad is smaller this season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have quality in back-up.

“It keeps everyone on their toes knowing there are players on the bench I can trust to come on and make an impact in the game.”

Dickov also echoed the sentiments of youth team boss Tony Philliskirk in yesterday’s Chronicle, outlining the potential of Carl Winchester, who is set to start again in central midfield alongside James Wesolowski.

“The biggest problem with Carl Winchester is that he doesn’t realise how good he is,” said Dickov, of a player who has attracted the attention of higher-level scouts.

“He could, and will, take games by the scruff of the neck for us.

“In the last two games, as much as Carl is a fantastic footballer the thing that has pleased me the most has been his discipline for a young kid.

“As soon as the ball has broken down and we have lost the ball, Carl has retained the shape.

“It shows me that, though he is an 18-year-old kid, mentally he can handle it.”