Keanu has potential to be match-winner

PAUL Dickov hopes that new-boy Keanu Marsh-Brown can overcome his personal problems in order to prosper at the club.

The 19-year-old winger has had a difficult season, playing only one game on loan at Dundee United before being released from his six-month loan deal.

An England under-19 international, the tricky winger also saw his chances at parent club Fulham end by "mutual consent" in November.

After showing tantalising glimpses of his talent as a substitute earlier this week, the hope for Dickov is that Marsh-Brown can start to fulfil his potential.

"Keanu is a talented boy, " said Dickov, who snapped up the player on a contract running until the end of the season, with the option for a further year.

"Ability? No question whatsoever. Pace? No question whatsoever.

"For whatever reason, it has not quite happened for him and he has had a few problems off the pitch.

"But, with no disrespect to this division, if Keanu was at the very top of his game and didn't have a bit of baggage, he wouldn't be here.

"It is up to me and the rest of the staff to make him feel welcome and give him a base for his talents. Because one thing he is, is a match-winner."

Marsh-Brown, who played against Athletic twice while on loan at MK Dons last year, is also keen to simply get playing again.

"I just want to come here, play as many games as I can and do my best for the team," said the teenager, who completed a two-week trial period at Boundary Park.

"I knew about (the interest from Athletic) from last year, but I was still contracted at Fulham.

"This is a good club. We are close as a team and the lads are good together.

"And the gaffer and coaching staff are excellent as well."