THE 2009 Island Games was a turning point in the career of Tom Le Tissier, whose very big frame stands in the way of the Southern Amateur League at the Corbet Field today.

People in the know have always regarded him as a fine young goalkeeper but, as he said, he had not played a full season in the island due to university and school commitments, so he was something of an unknown to the wider public.

In many ways he was thrust into the spotlight when he was chosen along with former Portsmouth and Oxford United professional Chris Tardif, as Guernsey’s two keepers for the Island Games in Aland at the end of June.

The pair helped the Greens take bronze.

With Tardif in the UK and committed to Conference South side Maidenhead United, the 22-year-old Le Tissier will take the gloves for the island side’s crucial FA Carlsberg National League System Cup match.

‘I’m really pleased,’ said Le Tissier (pictured) of where he finds himself.

‘It started from getting involved with the Island Games. It’s built from being away with Tardy [Tardif] and the training sessions.

‘It’s building the confidence to be Guernsey’s number one.’

Le Tissier said that he learnt a lot from Tardif and veteran island goalkeeper Jody Bisson, whom he has in effect replaced.