The Island men’s side will face Alderney in the semi-final on Saturday and despite a clash with a Guernsey FC fixture, several GFC regulars have been selected to travel to Mount Hale, alongside players from four Priaulx League sides.
‘We’ve had a number of injuries, a number of players not available and obviously you’ve got GFC with a fixture on the same day, so just putting the logistics together and getting the squad sorted has been a little bit tricky, or trickier than I would like it to be, but we’re generally happy with the squad that’s going up,’ said Merris.
This will be the first senior representative fixture for a few players listed in the Muratti semi-final squad, though some of them have played under Merris’ management with the Island U21s.
‘It is 100% down to their performances and how they’re conducting themselves, which had been excellent to see,’ said Merris.
‘It’s a great experience for them, and great for them to be around it, so hopefully they will all fully enjoy it.’
Merris added that he believes it is important to bridge the gap between the U21s and senior levels and he wanted to bring younger players through. Four of last month's squad are involved.
‘Coaching both teams has been really important, having that link between the seniors and the under-21s, and being able to see them on a more regular basis,’ he said.
‘Having that transition from the U21s to the senior squad is massively important and we obviously want to look to bring them through. Having those links and those connections is massively important.’
The Guernsey manager said that his side were ready and looking forward to the biennial trip to the northern isle.
‘We’re looking forward to it, and as always anything revolving around a Muratti is always good and always exciting,’ said Merris.
‘I always love a trip to Alderney as well.
'I’ve always liked going to Alderney, whether it’s been in the Priaulx League or for the semi-final a couple of years back.’
Saturday’s semi-final kicks off at 1pm and is due to be live-streamed via alderneyfootballclub.com.
Guernsey squad
Josh Addison (GFC), Nick Batiste (Sylvans), Ben Solway (St Martin’s/GFC), George Mason (St Martin’s), Jamie Dodd (GFC), Archie Drillot (Northerners), Niall Hainsworth (GFC), Fin Du Port (GFC), Louis Hunter (St Martin’s), Cal Le Lacheur (GFC), Will Fazakerley (GFC), Frazer Maginnis (St Martin’s/GFC), Zach Gilman (Sylvans), Tyrese Kelly (Vale Rec), Max Johnson (St Martin’s), Freddie Walker (Sylvans).
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