Barker hails 'fantastic' Dickov

He must be about 84 now but he's a talented player and a top man and he shows that little bit of class

Shaun Barker on Paul Dickov

Derby County defender Shaun Barker says the loan signing of veteran striker Paul Dickov is proving to be a wonderful piece of business.

Dickov, 37, moved to Pride Park in August and was expected to be used mainly as a substitute.

But his form and a succession of injuries up front have seen Dickov play a crucial role for the Rams.

"He's a fantastic player," Barker told BBC Radio Derby. "I'm pleased he's here as he's made a massive difference."

Dickov has started five league games and made a further six substitute appearances for the Rams during his loan spell.

And although he has scored just one goal, boss Nigel Clough has been impressed with his typically tenacious displays.

Clough has also hinted that he may be interested in keeping Dickov at the club beyond the end of the year, saying that "you don't let players like him go easily".

Barker agrees with his manager despite the former Scotland international's advancing years.

"He must be about 84 now!," he joked. "But he's a talented player and a top man and he shows that little bit of class.

"He holds the play up well and while he's in the team you've always got the chance of scoring goals.

Paul Dickov factfile

Age: 37

Clubs: Arsenal, Luton, Brighton, Man City, Leicester, Blackburn, Man City, Crystal Palace, Blackpool, Leicester, Derby

Club appearances/goals: 466/118

Scotland caps/goals: 10/1

"I played with him before at Blackpool he was a bit more prolific there scoring.

"He will still get chances and score goals but he'll work his socks off to help other people as well.

"He looks very comfortable at this level you can tell he's got a touch of class and he works hard and that shows how well he has looked after himself."

Clough has been plagued by injury problems to his strikers all season with Rob Hulse and Steve Davies spending more time on the injured list than on the pitch.

Kris Commons has also barely featured and Chris Porter has also been sidelined prompting Clough to recruit Dickov's fellow Foxes striker DJ Campbell on loan.

Campbell's deal also expires in January but if the injury problems begin to fade, Clough could be left with five or six strikers to choose from.