NARO ZIMMERMAN has been named in Steve Ogier’s island squad for the next round of the FA National League System Cup. The 19-year-old centre half has been a revelation this season after he moved to Sylvans from Bels during the summer.
He has turned in a number of notable performances in the league and was instrumental in Guernsey’s victory over Jersey in the weekend’s under-21 Muratti.
Now he has made the cut for the full senior squad, who are playing under the guise of the Sure Mobile Priaulx League representative side that takes on the Gloucestershire County League outfit a week tomorrow at The Track.
‘I’m quite surprised - the season is getting better and better for me,’ he said.
‘I missed most of last season through injury and I lost some interest. But going to Sylvans has been the right move for me.
‘Me and Strawbs [Tom Strawbridge] have been playing well in a partnership and generally I’ve been pleased with my form.’
Unfortunately, though, for Zimmerman, he is not totally clear of injuries as he due to see a specialist about cartilage problems in his left knee.
It might require keyhole surgery, but he does not think anything will happen before the island game.
Along with his good form, Zimmerman has been included due to the competition rules preventing Kevin Graham from playing as he has had a professional contract and also with Michael Wilson not available through injury.
But Ogier has no problem in including Zimmerman in the mix after having been involved with him at the U-21 level.
‘He’s playing well and it makes a difference when you can work with them,’ said Ogier.
‘With the U-21s I’ve had a chance to look at him in training. His attitude is good and he does try to do what you ask him to do in the game.
‘He’s had some good games for his club and he justifies his opportunity in the full squad.’
There are no surprises in the rest of the squad, which is basically the same line-up as the one that defeated Jersey’s Combination League in the opening round of the competition.
Bels striker Marc McGrath misses out this time through injury but Rangers hitman Ross Allen takes his place after not being available for the Jersey game.
Kyle Stone, who was so impressive on the wing for the greens in that match, has just returned from injury and Ogier feels that the Gloucestershire clash has come around too soon for him.
‘I know he’s back playing but he’s probably still a little bit away from next Saturday,’ said Ogier.
Due to Gloucestershire’s travelling arrangements, the match kicks off at 6pm.
Entry is £3.
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