Who needs Johns?

WHEN Simon Johns, the Muratti left back, announced he was off travelling, some at Northerners might have panicked. Who would provide the surging runs from the back, who would provide balance at Northfield?

Geoff Tardif was not among the worriers. He knew that not only did he have one ready-made replacement for Johns, he might just have two.

Olly McKenzie has filled the role vacated by Johns so impressively that he has won his way into the full island squad for this weekend's Malaya Cup clash.

But there is another impressive young talent waiting in the wings and he may well just feature tomorrow night as North begin the defence of the Wheway Cup against CI champions St Martin's.

Anthony O'Regan is the name and in an often shaky Guernsey under-18s back line at Foote's Lane on Sunday, the North Youth One left back vied with colleagues Kyle Stone and Jason Boscher for the man-of-the-match tag.

O'Regan's chance of regular first-team football could come sooner rather than later.

Tom Duff flies out on his travels tomorrow and a midfield berth needs to be filled.

When asked whether O'Regan's path to the team was being blocked by McKenzie, the North boss said 'not necessarily so'.

'I think Olly would prefer to play in midfield anyway,' added Tardif, who also heard good reports of Boscher's performance against the Army under-18s.

'Now that Tom's gone, we've got a bit of shuffling to do,' admitted the boss whose selection dilemma is complicated by the fact that North have an important Youth One league game against Rangers this evening.

Young Boscher, a sub against Rovers on Saturday, could also get a chance against Saints, and like the other youngsters, is 'football- mad' said Tardif.

'I'm very proud of the fact that they are all good technical players and very multi-functional.

'These lads just love to train, learn and play football.

'In fact they are playing too much,' said the coach.

Also playing tomorrow night are Belgraves and Vale Rec who meet in the Cable & Wireless Priaulx League at the Track.