Powell leaves Muratti door open for league players

Karl Hinds (right) played for Jersey at last summer's Island Games and scored 44 goals in 25 games for Jersey Combination champions St Clement this season

Jersey manager Elliot Powell says players from the island's local league clubs will have the chance to play in the Muratti Vase.

The majority of Powell's squad is likely to be made up of Jersey Bulls players, but he says he will not overlook the best of the Jersey FA Combination's talent.

Jersey will face Guernsey at Springfield on Saturday in Powell's first Muratti Vase as manager.

He took over the side permanently last month, having led Jersey to an Island Games gold medal last summer on an interim basis.

"Just because someone doesn't play for the Jersey Bulls does not mean they aren't that level of footballer," Powell told the 'Muratti Special' of BBC Radio Jersey's Sport Matters podcast.

"There are lads that can't go away every week because of work, or lads that have family commitments that just physically cannot be going every Tuesday night, every Saturday.

"It's great that the other ones can, but it doesn't mean that come the Muratti the lads that haven't made that commitment all season shouldn't be included or considered."

Powell is leaving his role as manager of Jersey club side St Peter after taking on the island role, and has said he would be interested in the vacant Jersey Bulls job.

Bulls boss Gary Freeman stepped down last week after failing to lead the side to promotion from the Combined Counties Premier South.

"It's been shown in the Island Games that when those lads come in, they don't detract [from] the standards at all," added Powell.

"It's a really important thing for me to give that representation to local clubs.

"There's a lot of good work going on in local clubs, some fantastic coaching, some really good players that maybe just haven't fitted with the current Jersey Bulls setup.

"It's important that we give them an opportunity to represent their island - they might not make the final 18, but if they're included it's going to drive standards and drive that enthusiasm.

"Every now and then just a fresh face puts everyone back on focus."