Gunning for glory

PAUL DICKOV: faith in his players.

Dickov certain Latics can make Wembley
ATHLETIC’S glory-seeking players have been left under no illusions about the size of their task tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

Despite opponents Chesterfield’s hugely-improved form, though, manager Paul Dickov (pictured) remains confident his side can make it to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Wembley.

On-loan Liam Ridehalgh struck a spectacular winning goal for the Spireites on Friday night to see off Bournemouth 1-0 and earn the club a third successive victory — a sequence which kicked off with Athletic’s 2-1 defeat in the first leg of the Northern area final of the JPT.

Dickov admits that his opposite number John Sheridan’s squad strength has significantly improved as a result of loan signings. These include Huddersfield’s Ridehalgh, Josh Thompson (Celtic), David Davis (Wolves) and James Hurst (West Brom), to the extent that they are now no longer bottom of npower League One.

But with the possibility of all four of Athletic’s injured players turning out tonight — decisions on the fitness captain Dean Furman, Zander Diamond, James Wesolowski and Robbie Simpson will be made according to medical advice — Dickov reckons that a blank weekend without a fixture should help.

“John (Sheridan) has used the loan window very well,” said Dickov, whose side remain 16th in the table.

“He has brought in good players. I know, speaking to them after our 5-2 win here in November, that it was something they wanted to do. They have done that well.

“But the pleasing thing for us is, with the injuries we have had and with the amount of games we have played recently, not having a game on Saturday gives us the chance which we have not had to let the boys recover properly.

“We will recuperate and make sure we are flying and ready to go.”

Dickov has until noon today to register any new faces in time for the crucial clash, which is being televised on Sky Sports.

He has hinted at bringing at least one player in, in addition to trying to secure a renewal of the loan agreement for Manchester City winger Luca Scapuzzi.

Reuben Reid could make a comeback in the striking ranks, in the event of Simpson (hamstring) not being passed fit.

While his side have to score more than once to have any chance of claiming the spoils — in the event of an aggregate draw after 90 minutes tonight, there is no extra time and a penalty shoot-out will ensue — Dickov is preaching a steady approach.

“The biggest thing for me is yes, we want to score goals,” he added. “But we have to be patient.

“We have got 90 minutes to score at least one goal.”