Shropshire Star

The New Saints ready to shuffle their pack

The New Saints boss Craig Harrison is happy to ring the changes for tonight's Word Cup clash against Welsh Premier rivals Airbus UK at Park Hall.

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The sides have met in the competition for the past three years, with TNS looking to turn the tables after Airbus won 2-1 in the quarter-finals last season.

And Harrison is certain to use the second round tie as a chance to rotate his squad, insisting the players he brings in are more than capable of securing their place in the quarter-finals.

There could be as many as eight changes from the side that hammered Rhyl 6-1 on Friday to go top of the Welsh Premier on goal difference.

"We want to win every game we play, and the Word Cup is no different," said Harrison.

"But at the same time, it's a great opportunity to give players games, and also give some of the younger players, more experience which will benefit them.

"There could be between five to eight changes to the side, but we have a strong squad."

Defender Kai Edwards, who missed the Rhyl game with a dead leg, is back in contention but Matty Williams is out through injury, while winger Jamie Mullan has now resumed light training after his double hernia operation.

Harrison, meanwhile, was delighted with the performance against Rhyl as the Saints rattled in five first-half goals on their way to a resounding 6-1 win.

"We started the game with great tempo and created loads of chances, " he said. "We've talked about being ruthless, but when you're 6-1 up , it's hard for the players to keep their tempo and intensity going."