Pat on the back

JONATHAN GROUNDS: the defender (left) is “Championship quality”, according to manager Paul Dickov.

ATHLETIC’S attack has shone with the strength of the Jose Baxter-Matt Derbyshire forward axis.

And manager Paul Dickov will look for the duo to fire a fourth league win in five games against out-of-form Carlisle tonight (7.45pm kick-off).

Bu the other end of the field has also attracted special praise from the Athletic boss.

The clean sheet against Leyton Orient on Saturday was as crucial as a goal apiece from the two strikers, Dickov argues.

“We said to the boys at half-time we felt it was the back five who were going to win us the game by keeping a clean sheet,” said Dickov

“They were excellent, they really were. In the last four or five weeks, Jonathan Grounds has shown up as the player we expected to sign — of Championship quality.

“Defensively, he has been fantastic. It is good to have continuity in the team. We have had consistency in selection and we are seeing the benefits now.”

Dean Furman is in contention for a return after a spate of international travelling with the South African national side and could replace Robbie Simpson tonight.

One man certain to play alongside whoever is chosen is James Wesolowski, who Dickov says has been a tower of strength.

“He doesn’t like getting praise. I’ve said all along, he’s a massive player for us,” said Dickov.

Dickov expects a tricky test against a Carlisle side who have struggled so far this term.

He said: “When a team is on a bad run they just need one bit of luck to turn it round. They will be hoping to do that.”