Parrott is in fashion

CHRIS PARROTT has received some rave reviews this season but an island spot still looks far away. The 27-year-old has turned in consistently good performances in the Rangers goal this campaign and these have led many to believe that he deserves to be the island's number one.

And Parrott is sure to be in the thick of things tomorrow when the red-and-blacks entertain St Martin's.

However, he seems to be well down Guernsey boss Steve Ogier's list behind Nathan Pattimore, Jody Bisson and Paul de Garis.

Parrott is philosophical about his chances of donning his keeping gloves for the big one in May, the Muratti.

'I don't think so. I'm not expecting that,' he said.

'A call-up before before I retire would be nice, though.'

As a junior, Parrott played in the under-18s Muratti but as a senior his chances have been restricted.

He was selected as a member of the provisional squad for the 2005 Island Games but he did not make the final cut to go to Shetland.

He was also named in the Guernsey squad for a South and West Counties Championship tie with Wiltshire a number of years ago but spent the whole match on the bench.

'I get the impression that I'm not in the reckoning. There was a keeping injury crisis a couple of years ago and he picked everyone else apart from me.

'I would like to play, but I'm not expecting anything. I'm just enjoying playing for Rangers.

'We could do with a few more results and breaking into the top three, though.'

Parrott feels that he is in good form although he does give credit to centre back Phil Sarl, who has also been turning heads.

'I've been pretty pleased with the way I've been playing this year, but I think the defence in front of me deserves credit,' he said.

'Phil Sarl has helped keep the defence together.'

Rangers boss Mac Gallienne has been singing his shot-stopper's praises for a long time now.

'He got himself really fit in the close season and he's been fantastic for us. He should be looking at an island place,' he said.

'How he's been kept out for so long I don't know. He's a fantastic shot-stopper, he's a big lad and he controls his area well.

'His kicking lets him down a bit, but everyone has their faults. But he's a fantastic keeper.'

Gallienne also hopes to welcome back Ross Allen into the fold for the game.

The young striker has been out with a knee injury since before Christmas.

Allen has returned to training and will see how he feels before the kick-off.

Saints are currently second in the table and Gallienne knows his team have a fight on their hands if they want all the points.

They have lost their last two matches in the league to see them stuck in fifth place.

'It's going to be a tough game,' he said.

'We've got to play well to get something out of it and we've not been playing well in the last few games.'

Whereas Gallienne looks to pick from a full squad, his opposite number at Saints, Colin Fallaize, is experiencing more of a problem to name his starting line-up.

Captain Kevin Graham, Liam Roffey and Richard Herpe are all away while Dom Heaume and Chris Mauger are struggling with injuries and are not looking good for the game.

'We've we've not been able to get a strong, consistent side out all season,' said Fallaize.

'It will be interesting to see what comes out on Saturday.'

n THE big game of the day is taking place at the Track where leaders Bels face last year's champions North.

Both squads have been hit by Guernsey under-18s' Mick Parry Cup match in Dorset.

Bels are without juniors Scott Rowe and Robbie Williams, and will also miss Simon Marley and Paul Ramsden, who are both out with long-term injuries.

There were reports that Matt Drillot had ankle problems and could be a doubt along with American striker Mark Laws, but Bels coach Micky Ogier has said that the pair will play.

North on the other hand have to make do without Miles Pengelley, Scott Bougourd and Matt Loaring who are away with the island U-18s.

Alex Le Prevost, Gavin Le Page, Richard Moore and Jamie Tolcher are all out injured as well and Jamie Ferbrache is ill.

Coach Mick Le Prevost says these losses, added to the fact that North's Railway side have a Rouget Cup tie with St Martin's and are therefore unavailable, mean that he is struggling to say the least to get a side out.

'I've got a bare 11,' he said.

'I've got a squad of 18 and I'm now down to 11 with no substitutes. I've got players representing Guernsey but I've got to sacrifice them.

'I'm not happy about the situation to be fair.'

The other Priaulx game of the day sees the bottom two sides, Rovers and Vale Rec, play each other at Port Soif.

All matches have a 2pm kick-off.