Pressure play

Photo: Anthony Miller

GIVE THE LADS A CHEER: Josh Hughes (left), Brendan Graham, William Finn and Sophie Park from St Edward’s School, Lees, donned Athletic colours at Johnstone's Decorating Centre in Neville Street to get a look at the trophy Latics hope to take home.

ATHLETIC have shown already they can handle the pressure — now the task is to do it again.

Manager Paul Dickov points to the FA Cup second-round replay win over Southend, which took the club to a prestigious Anfield tie against Liverpool earlier this year, as evidence that his men can flourish on the big occasion.

To automatically qualify for a Wembley final in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Athletic will have to double the one-goal tally they managed against the Shrimpers.

Chesterfield are 2-1 up from the first leg of the Northern final and most bookmakers can’t separate the clubs when it comes to the chance of coming out on top at Boundary Park on Monday.

Dickov, though, believes his confidence is backed up by evidence.

“We have had a few big games this year and a few pressure games," said the 39-year-old Scot.

“Think back to the Southend game here. The possibility of going to Liverpool was huge but the boys handled themselves and showed application.

“When you play in big games, you have to play with no fear. The boys have shown they can handle that.

“We have scored two or more goals on 13 occasions this season. People may say this is mind games, but at the same time Chesterfield have conceded two or more goals 17 times.

“It is a little statistic that shows we are in with a chance.”

Dickov says he will be guided by medical advice over his quartet of injured players.

“If I am told by the medics and the players that they are okay, then all four will play because they are big players for us”, he said with reference to Dean Furman (knee), Zander Diamond (neck), Robbie Simpson (hamstring) and James Wesolowski (shoulder).

And whatever side ends up representing Athletic come Monday night, Dickov will remind them beforehand what can be gained should they make it to Wembley.

“Even coming from Scotland, you always aspire to play in any sort of game at Wembley,” Dickov said.

“Usually, if it is not an international game then it is a semi-final or a final.

“And regardless of what you do for the rest of your career, it is something that will stay with you.

“I am still dining out and getting pints bought for a goal I scored 12 years ago (for Manchester City).”

Athletic are continuing with efforts to extend Luca Scapuzzi’s spell at the club and talks were expected to be held with Manchester City today over the future of the winger, whose current loan has ended.

Dickov also hinted that there may yet be more movement into the club, possibly even in time for Monday’s clash.