Tough it out!

ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov wants his players to put on a performance tonight.

PAUL Dickov has told his Athletic side they need to dig-in against Bury and take three points tonight.

Boss Kevin Blackwell’s side arrives at Boundary Park on the back of four games without defeat — and the Shakers will be aiming to emulate last season’s 2-0 triumph.

Dickov, who hopes to have Cliff Byrne fit to retain his place alongside James Tarkowski, wants Athletic to produce a similar workrate to that against Crawley and Kidderminster.

“It is going to be tough. They came here last year and won 2-0, but we feel it is a game we can win,” said Dickov. “Like Crawley, like Kidderminster, we have to fight for the right to play first.

“We want to go out there and put on a performance for the fans, because we haven’t had a home game for a few weeks now.

“People talk about revenge — but let’s go out there to try to win the game. Whether it is Bury, Tranmere on Saturday or whoever else, we have a group of players who can win any game.”

Just as Athletic are without Jean-Yves Mvoto, Bury will be missing Efe Sodje from their defence through suspension.