Commitment key ahead of Games

COLIN FALLAIZE is proud of the commitment that his players are showing in the run-up to the NatWest Island Games. The island squad are getting together four times a week as the reigning gold medallists prepare to defend their title on home turf and the manager is delighted that not one of the players has shirked the responsibility.

'It is a fair amount of commitment we are asking them for and they have responded superbly. I am really proud of them,' said Fallaize.

'Tuesdays and Thursdays are our official training nights at St Peter Port School, which are compulsory. That is all-round football training looking at the physical, technical and tactical components.

'On Wednesday nights the boys meet for the run, which two or three of the lads take control of, and on Sundays we meet at the Fitness Factory for circuit training. Those are entirely voluntary.'

Guernsey have their final preparation match (before their Games campaign kicks off) tomorrow when French side ASSA Vallee du Dropt visit Foote's Lane for the annual Victory Cup fixture.

There are a few minor injury problems in the Sarnian camp going into the encounter.

John Nobes will not be risked yet, Ian Potter has a slight heel problem and Michael Wilson is still having some difficulty with his ribs. All three are rested.

Meanwhile, Tony Vance and Kevin Gilligan are unavailable because they are attending a wedding.

'This is a great game to have. They are technically very good and the last time they came to Guernsey, they were more physical than I had been led to understand.

'People that were not involved in the Muratti from the start are going to get the first crack,' said Fallaize, who wants his side to play a very high-tempo game.

With that in mind, the major surprise of the XI that the manager is looking to start tomorrow is Tristram Morgan.

The Vale Rec playmaker is ineligible for the Island Games but Fallaize has kept him involved throughout the preparations and with Vance unavailable, Morgan takes on the position as the manager's assistant on the pitch.

'I know I will be asked "what are you playing him for?" and it is purely because of his involvement with the squad.

'I would like him to be a coach on the park - like a hands-on role. I know I will get a major, enthusiastic performance from him,' added Fallaize.

The side shows eight changes in total from that which started the Muratti final replay.

Guernsey probable starting XI: Pattimore, Martin, Polson, Eley, Johns, Le Cras, Brehaut, Le Page, Morgan, P. Nobes, Clegg. Subs: J. Bisson, Warren, Chamberlain, Tippett, D. Bisson.