Prepare to put in a big shift — Dunn

ATHLETIC have been warned that nothing will come easy for them tomorrow.

Third-placed Burton are the visitors to SportsDirect.com Park and the high-octane approach of the side managed by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will need to be combated, said home boss David Dunn.

Having done battle with Hasselbaink as a player, Dunn has also got to know the promising manager during his travels on scouting missions up and down the land.

And armed with plenty of insight into the Brewers’ strategy, Dunn stressed that pretty football alone won’t be enough to take the three points.

“They are really well-organised and have a lot of energy,” said Dunn.

“We will have to match that, as we have been doing in recent weeks.

“How solid we have been has been pleasing.

“It isn’t all about pretty football. Ask most players and they will tell you it isn’t.

“When I played, I wanted to be attacking all the time but realistically, most games are about rolling up your sleeves, competing and earning the right to play.”

Burton have lost their last two away from the Pirelli Stadium, but the promoted side are still riding on a wave of confidence that only four defeats since February brings with it.

“I keep saying round here, that feel-good factor can’t half make a difference,” Dunn added.

“Likewise, if it is doom and gloom around the place all the time, then it is very infectious.

“They have just been promoted and they should be full of beans.

“It is up to us to halt that.”

Athletic are currently 15 places below Burton in the Sky Bet League One standings, but much can change quickly given positive results.

“I can’t lie, looking at the league table I would like to be higher,” said Dunn.

“But it doesn’t really concern me at the moment.”

Boosted by a capacity in the new North Stand which has increased to 2,000 for this game, Dunn’s main selection headache surrounds replacements for Lafferty (shoulder) and Mike Jones (ankle).