Taylor can fire us to glory –– Dickov

CHRIS TAYLOR . . . scores and creates goals.

Boss predicts a starring role for ‘big player’
DEFENCES watch out . . . there is more to come from Chris Taylor.

That is the verdict of Athletic manager Paul Dickov, who has been delighted with the excellent recent form of the influential forward.

The 24-year-old has been a driving force in recent weeks, picking up a goal and two assists as Athletic have gained nine points from a possible 12 to regain momentum in their play-off chase in npower League One.

Taylor is likely to be pushed into a role playing in the 'hole' just behind Oumare Tounkara at Walsall tonight (7.45pm kick-off), as Athletic try to make it three wins in a row.

"We believe Chris is a threat," Dickov said. "You get him right, physically and mentally, and he is one of the best players in this division. We have always said that.

"It took him a while to get going because he had an injury in pre-season.

"Chris is one of the players we believe can play at a higher level.

"One thing we have put into his game is his work-rate. He is all over the pitch, closing down.

"He is a big player for us who is creating and scoring goals. Long may it continue.

"We feel he can still get better."

Taylor's change of role comes about as a result of striker Warren Feeney's ankle injury.

The Northern Ireland international is likely to be out of action for a maximum of two weeks and Filipe Morais, who scored against Brentford, may play on the left wing.

The other injury concern in Neal Trotman. The centre-back has a tight hamstring and is described by Dickov as having "a fairly good chance" of playing.

If not, James Tarkowski could come in for his first senior start, while fellow centre-back Rod McDonald is also in the squad.

Athletic's manager isn't taking anything for granted at the Banks's Stadium, despite Walsall's bottom-of-the-table status in npower League One.

"No matter who we are playing, I don't look at the league position and think what might and could happen," Dickov added.

"We have to go into every match 100-per-cent focused and I shall make sure we do that tonight as it will be a tough game at a difficult place to go to."