Hunter mark three

ALEX HUNTER'S dream of following his father and grandfather into the Muratti team has come a step closer with his inclusion in the Guernsey squad to play Wiltshire next weekend. Hunter, who has scored 12 times for St Martin's this term, is named in a 16-man squad for the island's second South West Counties League game of the campaign at Melksham next weekend.

The son of former island striker Neil and grandson of Rangers' 1950s great Alan Hunter, has benefitted from an injury to Vale Rec.'s Matt Falla.

'He's committed and he will give is us something different up top,' said coach Steve Ogier, who has found his overall selection limited further by the self-imposed ban on Matt Warren and holiday commitments by the likes of Paul Nobes and Jan Renouf.

Hunter, 23, said he was 'a bit surprised,' by his call-up. 'It sounds if there are a few injuries around,' he said.

As to maintaining a family tradtion of producing island footballers, he said: 'I'd like to do half of what they managed to do and there is a lot they have done.'

Joby Bourgaize also returns to the squad having been left out for the Dorset game, meanwhile skipper John Nobes is hopeful of being fit after picking up an injury against Dorset.

'John's has been training this week and I'd expect him to play for Sylvans tomorrow,' said a coach who can ill-afford to lose any more proven performers.

Jody Bisson should also be fit to retain the keeper's jersey.

Seven of the squad are 21 or under and the manager clearly sees there is emerging talent to work with.

'It's quite a youngish group scattered with experience. Against Dorset we felt we could have won the game, had we handled the pressure better.'