Boosted by the news that midfielders Cavaghn Miley and Jamie Mourant came through fitness test on Wednesday night, Reilly says his squad are up for the task that lies ahead and he believes they will deliver.
‘I’m confident,’ said the new Jersey boss, adding: ‘The guys are flying and they’ve been an excellent group to work with over the past four weeks.
‘Cav and Jamie came through the fitness tests which is great so we’ve got experience in the squad as well as new faces. There is great ability among the squad as well and with some of the one- and two-touch football they play they are a strong group.’
Seven players retain their positions in the squad and Jersey bid to retain the trophy they regained last year following a 2-0 success in Guernsey.
Reilly said: ‘The focus from the players has been excellent; everyone has shown great commitment and application and their focus is now on them to perform and I believe they will.
‘This is a new Jersey team and I hope they get the support they deserve from the public. It would be great to see a big crowd at St Peter cheering them on and that is something they deserve because of the effort they have so far put in.’
Reilly’s squad meet again this evening to go over their plans for the game.
Reilly added: ‘This squad has really spurred me on, the players have really shown the management team and I that they want to win this match and I hope they do.’
In true to form for football managers, Reilly has not yet announced his starting line-up or his team captain.
Cavaghn Miley lifted the trophy in Guernsey last year and he said he would love to captain the team again.
The 19-year-old electrician said: ‘I’d love to captain the team again but that’s the choice of the manager.
‘I’m happy that I got through my fitness test and I will be taking painkiller tablets to play. I won’t play for a few weeks after this weekend’s game because I need to have scan to see exactly what is causing my problem in the groin.’
The match starts at 12.30 pm.
James Loughray, Elliot Poole, Matt Rondel and Jamie Mourant (JTC Jsy Wanderers); Euan Van der Vliet, Jonny Le Quesne, Luca Margaroli and Cavaghn Miley (St Paul’s); Jordan Preston and Steffan Kermin (Rozel Rovers); Jack Griffin (Trinity); Calvin Weir, Zeljko Martinovic, Max Thompson and Charlie Petulla (Jsy Scottish) and Sam Luce (St Clement).
