New Saints to prepare for Europa League by facing Liverpool under-23s
The New Saints will prepare for their Europa League qualifiers by playing Liverpool’s under-23s and a number of Welsh clubs.
Scott Ruscoe’s side have had to alter their usual European preparations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A friendly with Liverpool’s Under-23s side along with AFC Telford, Bala Town, Barry Town and Wolves’ U23s side have been pencilled in to help prepare them for Thursday, 27 August.
The New Saints could come up against Welshmen Morgan Boyes, Owen Beck and Rhys Williams when they line up against Liverpool.
“Friendlies-wise, we have a few lined up; we have Barry and Bala from our league, Telford, which will be behind closed doors, and Liverpool’s under-23s,” revealed Ruscoe to the Oswestry & Border Counties Advertizer.
“And a possible mix of Wolves’s U23s and senior players.
“We’re playing teams who can offer us a physical and technical challenge.
“The friendlies are as they are because teams we normally play are either still finishing their year, or starting it, or some clubs still have players on furlough.
“The National League and League Two clubs won’t be back until October and September, respectively, but we need the games now.
So far David Lyon, Leo Smith and Louis Robles have joined The New Saints for their 2020/21 campaign.
Aeron Edwards, Joash Nembhard, Josh Hmami, Kane Lewis and Kurtis Byrne, however, have departed Park Hall.
Edwards joined title rivals Connah’s Quay whilst Kurtis Byrne has been linked with a move to Waterford.
Josh Hmami, who spent most of the season on loan at Ramsbottom United, has joined Marine.
Despite the departures, Scott Ruscoe still has a deal under his sleeve as he looks to shape his new look squad.
“We had a game the other day the lads were flying. A couple of new signings does help and we’re looking to get someone in, that we’re hoping to sign,” revealed the TNS manager.
“New signings do help. We can’t share who that player is just yet, but I can say he’s got lots of experience and we’re just waiting for something on the player.”
The Cymru Premier runners-up will find out their first qualifying opponents on Monday, 10 August.
