Earn the right to play – Dickov

Photo: Darren Robinson

PRESSURE? Athletic boss Paul Dickov is all smiles at the pre-match press conference.

‘LOOK and learn’ is the message being dished out to his players by Athletic manager Paul Dickov ahead of the highest-profile game at Boundary Park in six years.

Even with only three sides, the atmosphere generated by a full house of 10,638 promises to be something special.

So, too, does the chance Athletic have to pit their wits against Brendan Rodgers’ resurgent side, which is in tip-top form.

For Dickov it isn't just about the playing talent of the Anfield side but also its enviable workrate.

"I am really looking forward to the game," said Dickov at a packed media conference. "It will be fantastic for the players, fans and club to have a club the size of Liverpool coming here.

"It will be a great test. It will also show what it takes to be a top-level player.

"People look at the league and think players are there purely on ability. When you play them and see how hard they work, you realise what it takes. One thing we can do is go out and play without fear."

The build-up from a home perspective has been damaged by the team's worrying run of league form, which has brought only one point from a possible 24. A recent fans' poll put Dickov’s position under question - they want new players.

"People thought the money we got from the Nottingham Forest game would go on players straight away, but it had to go on the upkeep of the club," Dickov said. “If it means forfeiting two or three players to make sure the club can run through to the end of the season and next year, that is the most important thing.”