Johns sidelined for three weeks

SIMON JOHNS has joined fellow island full-back Darren Martin on the North injury list. Johns pulled up with a hamstring injury in the Rangers game last week and will be missing for at least three weeks, said North boss Geoff Tardif yesterday.

'It's a blow, obviously. With Darren already out in my opinion we are now without the best two full-backs in Channel Islands football,' claimed Tardif.

North, however, could welcome back skipper Stuart Polson.

The Muratti centre-back featured as a late sub against Rangers, having missed the opening games of the season.

Tardif is glad to have him back available, but sad to lose him on the touchline.

'Polsy has been a great help to me during the time he's been injured. He's been fantastic.

'He really could be a top coach one day, if he were to put in the time the job requires,' said Tardif, who sees his captain as a possible successor as manager.

'I'd love to see him as North coach one day. He's got the respect of all the players.'

Tardif's immediate concern is beating Vale Rec at the Northfield tonight, and he expects a 'really hard game'.

'The two teams have a lot of respect for each other, although there is not a lot of love lost.'

Vale Rec welcome back into the squad Mark Elliott, Andy Chamberlain and Jon Baudains, who all sat out Saturday's 0-0 draw with Bels.

'There will be four or five changes, that's certain,' said Vale boss Ray Blondel.

Craig Tyrrell, who picked up a thigh injury against Bels, is available.

* The scheduled Saints-Rovers Priaulx game has been called off due to floodlighting problems.