De Garis is rewarded for return to top form

PAUL DE GARIS is set to make his first Guernsey start for two-and-a-half years against the Royal Navy two weeks from today. The North goalkeeper, who last began an island match in the Malaya Cup in October 2001, is favourite to win the battle with Nathan Pattimore to replace Jody Bisson between the sticks for the South-West Counties Championship clash at Foote's Lane. The Vale Rec captain will be on holiday at the time of the game, leaving the jersey vacant.

'Obviously Jody is recognised as the regular number one but he is away and so somebody will get an opportunity,' said Island boss Steve Ogier.

'Early in the season it was a situation where Digger was picked for the first squad because he was playing really well. He then went through a lull, but he has come back and has looked very good recently.

'My first thought is that Digger will play on the Thursday.'

Ogier has picked a 22-man squad to cover the two games against the Navy, the first being the SWCC encounter, which is followed on Saturday 21 February by the Commodore Ferries Cup, the winners of which will be allowed to keep the trophy.

Returning to the squad, as expected, are Michael Wilson and Matt Warren along with Kevin Gilligan, while several under-21 players also feature, including Bels' lightning-quick left back Wayne Cicmic.

'It was always in our minds to introduce some of the under-21s for the Commodore Ferries Cup game,' said Ogier.

'We could have brought in more seniors but what is the point for a one-off game if you are not really going to have them in mind for the rest of the SWCC matches? The under-21s will benefit more from it.'

Cicmic may even feature in the Thursday fixture, with Simon Johns doubtful of being fit after injuring a hamstring against Sylvans on Saturday.

'You could play a right-footed player at left back but I like to have players more suited to a position. If Johnsy is not fit, and it does not look good, I have another couple of left-footed options in Wayne Cicmic and Mark Coutanche.

'I know the team I want to play on the Thursday, barring injuries. I am not overly sure for the Commodore Ferries Cup yet - that boils down to who comes out of the first game all right.'

Missing from the squad that earned a 2-2 draw away to Wiltshire in November - as well as Jody Bisson - are Stuart Polson and John Nobes.

The Sylvans defender has not played since replacing Polson in that first SWCC fixture of the season in Melksham while the North centre back's club appearances have mainly been limited to a substitute role of late.

'I thought Polsy did all right on Tuesday night but by his own admission he probably came back from injury too early last time and the Saints game was his first start for a while.

'There are other defenders who are playing well at the moment who deserve a chance but the door is not shut on anyone. I am always looking at players and seeing if they are improving.'

Jan Renouf, who captained Guernsey against Wiltshire, will be available despite his dismissal on Tuesday against North.