| Key players missing from live TV showdown |
| Saturday 04 September 2010 |
 BOTH sides will have notable absentees when Llanelli host The New Saints in Saturday's live TV showdown at Stebonheath Park. The Reds have suffered an early-season injury crisis which saw the recall of ex-Lincoln City winger Owain Warlow to the ranks, but good news for manager Andy Legg is the return of midfielder Chris Venables, who has declared himself fit again after breaking a toe in the Europa League clash with FK Tauras. Definitely out is Jason Bowen who injured his neck in last week's defeat at Bangor City, while Rhys Griffiths, Ashley Morris, Stuart Jones and Martyn Giles face late fitness tests. Saints' striker Chris Sharp misses out with a two-match ban, while key defender Phil Baker joins Chris Marriott and Aeron Edwards on the treatment table after injuring a hamstring in the 2-1 defeat of Bala Town on Sunday. But manager Mike Davies is confident that his squad can rise to the challenge. "We feel Chris Sharp was hard done by, but he will now be out for two games, while Pip could be out for six weeks with his hamstring,” said Davies, who has added Liverpool academy youngster Marcus Giglio to his squad this week. "It’s disappointing, but we’ve got a cracking squad and I’ve every confidence in the lads who will come in. "Even at this early stage, it is a massive game tomorrow as you don’t want to be losing points against sides who you know will be around you in the table. "Llanelli have had a disappointing start by their standards, but that will make them all the more determined to get a good result." Meanwhile, Legg is facing his hardest challenge since taking over the reins and suffering two defeats in the first three games. "It's tough at the moment and did not get any easier with an additional two injuries sustained at Bangor last week, but we can't do anything about it other than blood some of the younger players," Legg said. "We played Cardiff City on Wednesday afternoon. They brought a strong team to play our youngsters and it was good preparation for the TNS match. "We have to bring the kids forward as we have had to make cuts so cannot bring in other players. I have spoken to the chairman and he fully understands the situation. "He does not like losing, as I don't, but he knows what we are up against and accepts it will be difficult until we get our bodies back." Legg added: "Saints are not the ideal opposition at this time, but we'll give it 100 per cent. "They have started really well and enjoyed an excellent European campaign, but I'm looking forward to the challenge." Photo: Suspended Chris Sharp misses out on another tussle with Llanelli's Andy Legg. |