STEVE OGIER believes experience could hold the key to a Guernsey victory in tomorrow’s Ambassadeur Bowl clash. Five of the island manager’s 18-strong under-21 squad have featured regularly in his senior representative side this season and the same number are involved in the Victory Cup match against ASSA Pays du Dropt on Sunday.

‘There is a lot of experience there,’ said Ogier, after his side completed their final practice match on Monday against St Martin’s.

‘A lot of the lads have played senior island football and also a lot have played junior island. Several have played in the SWCC this season.

‘You hope that they would draw on that experience.’

Ogier admitted that he and Paul Ockleford knew what their starting side would be although some of the squad members have given them food for thought.

‘We are pleasantly surprised with two or three what you would probably call fringe players and their attitude towards the game and how they have performed.’

Jersey claimed the honours in last year’s under-21 Muratti with a 4-1 home win.

Five of Guernsey’s team from that day are involved with this year’s squad, but Ogier is not looking at the past for any indications as to how this encounter will go.

‘We think no differently to any other team going into any Muratti. If we play to our full potential, I am confident we will win.

‘If we have two or three players freeze or our match-winners do not perform, then we might struggle. I am sure Jersey feel the same.

‘I am not sure what Jersey have got and that makes it a challenge for us as coaches and a challenge for the players. They will have to think a bit more about adapting to the game as it pans out, which is what we want them to do.’

Jersey have a major doubt surrounding their striker and full island captain, Chris Andrews, who picked up an injury last weekend.

But even without Andrews the Caesareans have available eight of the squad which triumphed last year.

Their key players are likely to be keeper Jimmy Styles, defender Lee Bradshaw, midfielder Stuart Andrew and strikers Glen Durrans and Paul Banahan.