We must take fight to Gills - Dunn

DAVID DUNN: work ethic.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

DAVID Dunn enters the lion’s den with his side at Gillingham confident he can continue to build the side’s form.

Athletic’s manager has picked up three draws in three games since taking over the reins

“We have got to compete and battle, and that’s what we will do,” said Dunn. “One thing you can’t criticise is the work ethic. The lads ran their socks off.

“We’re looking pretty solid now, so we’ll go down there full of confidence and try our best to get something.”

Loan striker Michael Higdon got off the scoring mark for Athletic with a header at Vale Park and he is set to spearhead the attack again on Saturday.

Dunn feels the Sheffield United man is the type of figure Athletic have missed since Jake Cassidy was injured in mid-August.

“Michael led the line well against Wigan and offered something we had been missing, certainly since losing Jake Cassidy,” added Dunn.

“He’s only really made substitute appearances this season so it is important he gets a couple of full

90-minute run-outs under his belt. As each minute passes though, I’m sure he’ll feel the benefit and as the weeks go on he’ll become stronger and stronger.”

As he strives to achieve a first victory as a boss, Dunn has reiterated that performance will dictate his team selection.

“It was the last thing I said to them before they went out at Doncaster: remember, you’ve got the shirt,” the manager added. “There may have to be certain changes here and there, but if a player is doing well, working hard and having a positive impact on a game, he will stay in the team.”