Former star answers a Sylvans SOS

JAN RENOUF is returning to Sylvans - as a favour. The 32-year-old Muratti midfielder walked away from top flight football in 2005 after leading St Martin's to success in the inaugural Fletcher Sports FA Cup.

Since then, Renouf has concentrated on basketball and was instrumental in Le Mont Saint taking all the domestic trophies on offer last season and the 'Upton'.

He also starred for the Guernsey basketball team in Rhodes during the summer as they enjoyed their best Island Games.

Renouf answered a rallying call from Sylvans' boss Martyn de Garis, who is having to deal with a crippling injury list.

He is due to be named in Sylvans' squad for their Priaulx clash with Bels tonight.

'He asked me to help as he's struggling to get a squad out,' said Renouf yesterday.

'As a favour I've signed on to help out. It's not going to stop my basketball in any way.'

Sylvans' injury list contains their captain, Matt Warren, who, after coming back for their match with Rangers at the weekend, had to go off in the second half because his problem foot began to play up again.

Also out is utility player Tom Duff, who has groin problems, young central defender Naro Zimmerman has been under the surgeon's knife, Renouf's older brother, Lee, has calf troubles and Micky Wilson has had a knee operation, but is due back soon.

Several other first-choice players are away at university while Tristan Robilliard is another one struggling and so is promising junior Matt Le Prevost, who has a broken collarbone.

All that, added to the fact that Steve Brehaut and Chris Chamberlain have been restricted by work commitments and the mercurial Matt Le Cras has not featured at all this season at St Peter's, means de Garis is not having the best of times.

'We've only got a small squad and it's been a nightmare,' he said.

'We've got a lack of senior players. Once everyone is back, raring to go and fighting fit, we can get started again.

'But at the moment it's a case of hanging in there.'