STEVE OGIER is waiting on fitness tests tonight on Kevin Graham and Darren Martin before naming his starting line up for tomorrow’s Muratti. The island coach has had to deal with a nightmare list of injuries as he looks to claim back the trophy from Jersey.
Definitely out with an injury are North’s goal machine Simon Tostevin and Sylvans’ duo Tom Duff and Michael Wilson, while Bels’ Neil Clegg and Scott Bradford are suspended.
There are also major concerns over influential centre back Graham, who has a bad ankle, and North captain Martin who has a foot problem.
The pair will undergo a fitness test when the Guernsey squad train today for the last time.
But it is not all doom and gloom for Ogier.
Saints midfielder Dom Heaume has recovered from the severe blisters on his leg.
Also captain Matt Warren’s knee has improved and he looks set to lead the team out tomorrow.
‘Darren Martin is struggling - I’d put him at 50/50 - and I think Kevin Graham is 50/50 as well,’ said Ogier.
‘Dom Heaume should be OK and he should be up for selection. Obviously we want everyone to pick from but it’s out of my hands so I’m not worried about it.
‘What’s the point of worrying about something that you can’t have any influence over?’
In the opposing camp, Jersey have had no such worries. Their main concern was over their captain and arguably their best player, Dave Brodie.
The Jersey Scottish midfielder has been dealing with hamstring problems, but Jersey’s new coach Dave Kennedy, who took over from Peter Vincenti a couple of months ago, says he will play.
‘Brodie will start the game. He passed a fitness test on Wednesday night. I’m delighted because he’s such an influential player.
‘Guernsey’s injury worries don’t concern me. We’ll be approaching the game the same way.’
‘I don’t think myself or Steve will be worried about either side’s injury list.’
Kennedy could name four new Muratti caps - defenders Craig Northedge from Grouville and Jersey Scottish captain James Scott along with midfielders Chris Conning and former Port Vale and Manchester United professional Ashley Dodd.
For Guernsey, if Graham and Martin pass their late test, they look set to start at centre back and right back respectively.
If not, Sam Cochrane will join his Bels teammate, Leighton Chainey, in the middle of the defence while St Martin’s Chris Mauger could come in for Martin.
Ogier will more than likely go for his favoured diamond formation in midfield with Dave Rihoy on the left, Gavin Le Page in the central holding role and Warren in front of him and Heaume on the right flank.
But Sylvans’ young midfielder Piers Ockleford could force his way into this quartet. Ross Allen looks certain to be up front with Ryan Tippett rather than Marc McGrath.
A crowd of more than 3,000 has been predicted at Foote’s Lane for the 2.30pm kick-off and Ogier is hoping for the home fans to get behind his team.
‘This is the big one and we want to make the most of home advantage,’ he said.
‘It is a proud day for all the players representing Guernsey and they’re going to give their all. However, the crowd can also play its part and a big turnout will really lift the team and could make a big difference on the day.
‘My message to all fans is come on down and show your support.’
n GUERNSEY’S hopes of victory in Monday’s Cimandis women’s game have been hit by a ruling on the availability of Bels’ Scandinavian star Kari-Anne Riber.
Steve Ogier had hoped to play the Norwegian but it turns out she does not meet the one-year residential qualification.
* THE Track plays host to today’s annual Portsmouth Trophy clash between the respective under-18 league champions, North and Jersey Wanderers. The game kicks off at 1.30pm.
Article posted on 5th May, 2007 - 12.00am
Loading ...
Most Commented: