Rangers TV to show games worldwide

GLASGOW Rangers' three matches in the inaugural Guernsey International Tournament will be shown on the club's own satellite subscription channel, providing free publicity for the island. 'Rangers TV are coming into the island and bringing their own TV crew over,' said tournament organiser Iain Mackenzie on the eve of the four-team event.

Other than the competing teams, football people from far and wide are expected in the island this week.

They include Juliano, an associate of the Brazilian FA who will be here on a fact-finding visit for Branco, the former World Cup star who is now in charge of the country's under-23 side.

Brazil have expressed an interest in bringing their under-23s into the Channel Islands next year.

A representative of the newly-promoted French Division One side, Caen, is also flying in to cast an eye on the young talent on view.

The Scottish club will be the last of the four sides to arrive in Guernsey.

Japan have been in the island since Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain arrived yesterday morning and Boca Juniors from Argentina last evening.

Boca's travel arrangements provided an added headache for McKenzie, whose Sporting Eventualities company is staging both the Guernsey and Jersey tournaments.

Due to an agent's error on the Boca part, seven of their squad were left in Rome as the rest of the party flew into London ahead of travelling on to Guernsey.

Mackenzie is confident that the island will be treated to some high-class football.

'All the ingredients are here for Guernsey to make a mark for itself, but we need the support of the public.'

This evening's match and three others are to be refereed by Nationwide League regular Lee Probert.

The 31-year-old from Bristol has been appointed by the Football Association and will be assisted by local officials.

Meanwhile, two of the island's top whistlers will each get the chance to take charge of one match.

Matt Walsh will be in the middle for the Japan-PSG match, while Kelvin Seeds takes charge of the Rangers-PSG game.

'They took my hand off when I offered it to them,' said referees officer Graham Skuse.

'It will be a tremendous experience for them and it will also be excellent experience for the linesmen,' he added.

Gates open for tonight's Japan-Boca clash at 6.30pm, an hour ahead of kick off. Tickets are available at the gate at the price of £10 for a seat in the stand and £5 for a ground ticket. OAPs and under-16s are charged £3.