Nothing to be afraid of

Dean Furman shoots

ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov says his men should not be daunted by the upcoming trip to Bournemouth — despite the absence of the captain and vice-captain through suspension.

Skipper Dean Furman and deputy James Wesolowski will be missing for the game on Saturday against the in-form Cherries, after both picked up fifth yellow cards of the season in the 1-0 defeat to Tranmere.

One-game bans for the midfield duo mean Dickov must pick a team containing neither player for the first time since an abject 2-1 away defeat to Chesterfield in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy earlier this season.

Robbie Simpson, not included in the line-up at the weekend due to a groin strain, is in line to return to central midfield at the Goldsands Stadium. His most likely partner is Youssouf Mchangama, unless Dickov shifts Jose Baxter back into midfield with Simpson operating in the ‘hole’ behind Matt Derbyshire.

“It is disappointing to be missing the two. With Dean, we were expecting that to happen with the travelling he is doing this week,” said Dickov, in reference to Furman’s involvement in Wednesday night’s South Africa home friendly against Zambia.

“With both players on four bookings, you are always walking a tightrope.

“Bournemouth are playing well at the moment. But we seem to do better against teams who are doing well and we have nothing to be afraid of.”

Under the control of returning manager Eddie Howe, the big-spending Cherries have won six of their last seven npower League One matches.

Athletic, in contrast, have only won one in five, against non-league opponents Kidderminster in the FA Cup.

Dickov at least felt that against leaders Tranmere, his team put on an improved showing.

“Tranmere was an even game. I will watch it again, but I felt that reactions in both boxes cost us again.

“We have two games away from home now where we have generally been good. We need to keep going and stay positive, because we have good players here.”
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