Tarky’s target

James Tarkowski: hoping to keep his place in the Athletic side for the home leg of the Northern Area final.

Wembley chance excites fit-again teenager
JAMES Tarkowski is too young to even remember the last time Athletic played at Wembley — but will make absolutely sure that he soaks up everything if the club reaches the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final.

The “dream” for the 19-year-old centre-back is just to be involved in such an occasion. To make it a reality, Athletic need to see off Chesterfield in the Northern final at Boundary Park on Monday to turn around a 2-1 first-leg deficit.

“It is a massive goal,” said Tarkowski, who has taken the opportunity to stake his claim for a place in the side with two assured back-to-back performances alongside Jean-Yves Mvoto. “Even if I am only on the bench, it would be great to be a part of it.”

Mark Hughes’ late, late volley at Wembley denied Athletic an FA Cup final place in 1994, the 1-1 draw followed by a 4-1 replay win for Manchester United at Maine Road. Tarkowski wasn’t even 18 months old at the time.

Still a young man growing into his sturdy frame, the promising ball-playing defender who has been plagued by injury problems during his short career is targeting a run of games in the first team.

“I am just happy to be playing, to be honest,” he added. “I have been in the reserves for the past few months, trying to get back to full fitness.

“Hopefully, I will get to play (against Chesterfield), but that is the gaffer’s choice. If not, I will look to take a place on the bench and hopefully get on from there.

“I have been in and out of the treatment room for the last few years. After the summer I came back flying for two weeks, but then broke my toe in pre-season.

“Now I am just trying to get back to where I was at the end of last season and hopefully improve on that.”

Meanwhile, on-loan midfielder Tom Adeyemi has revealed he would like to stay at the club.

The Norwich City player (20) joined Athletic on deadline day in August on a deal which ran until the New Year.

Adeyemi’s loan was then extended to the end of the current month and the player is hopeful he can continue to work with manager Paul Dickov.

“I'm really enjoying my time here,” he said. “As it stands my loan is due to finish after the Chesterfield game. I'm hopeful a deal can be done to keep me here for longer."

As to the possibility of a long-term stay at the club, Adeyemi admits the ball is in Norwich’s court.

“I guess I would have to see what is put on the table first,” he added. “Also I'd have to speak to Norwich to see if I’m in their plans for the future and I think that would sort of determine that decision.”