Upbeat Dickov rallies troops

CONNOR HUGHES is in the reckoning to start on the left flank against Walsall tonight.

ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov fully expects his side to collect three points from their first home league game of the season against Walsall tonight (7.45pm kick-off).

The Saddlers come to the Boundary Park clash after a 3-0 defeat by visitors Doncaster at the weekend.

Pressing the point that it promises to be a tight game, Dickov knows that his men can't afford to let their level drop against any opponents in npower League One.

"Though they were beaten, they were slightly unfortunate," said Athletic's manager, looking to end the run of two defeats which have opened the season.

James Wesolowski will be out after having a scan on his hamstring injury today. The midfielder missed the 2-0 defeat at MK Dons. "It has settled down well over the weekend so we hope it isn't going to be too long," Dickov said. Youssouf Mchangama is likely to continue in central midfield.

The major decision to be made concerns the left flank, where Connor Hughes is pushing for a place with new signing Cristian Montano short of fitness.

"It is plain to see that match-fitness wise, he is not there yet,” said Dickov. “You only get that by playing games. Once he settles down, he will be a very good player for us.






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