JERSEY Scottish’s battle-scarred troop are ready for the challenge of Guernsey Northerners in the Upton Park Trophy at Springfield tomorrow afternoon.

The Scots will be gunning to overturn their recent Jeremie Cup semi-final defeat by North when the Sarnians scored twice in the final few minutes to win 3-2.

Scottish trained last night, they’ve had tens days off for rest, treatment and recuperation and just striker Paul Aitken is a slight worry ahead of Scottish’s fourth Upton in five years.

Ex-professional Mark Brown has been named in Scottish’s squad, the quality utility player has hardly played this season because of family commitments.

Manager Pat Brennan said: ‘It’s good to have Mark back again, he’s a great player and he tells me he is keen to get back to playing regularly again next season.

‘Paul Aitken is our only injury worry, he has a back problem but after treatment today and a few pain killers he could well be okay.

‘One player who is out is defender Lee Burns, he’s recently had a shoulder operation and it’s a great shame that he will be missing.

‘We are expecting a tough game but I’m confident we will be up for it and, hopefully, put in a good performance.

North beat us with two goals from set pieces recently, we had 75 per cent of that game and had no time to get back as both goals were scored very late.

‘North have good players and I’m well aware of their capabilities.

I’m confident we can win, it’s down to our players now and I know they’re keen to win too.’ North’s normally towering strike force could be brought down to size tomorrow as ever-present goal machine Simon Tostevin and partner AJ Saunders could both miss out if they fail to overcome knee problems.

North coach Mick Le Prevost said: ‘Win or lose we’ve had a fantastic season.

To go and win the Upton would be unbelievable.

It would be the icing on the cake and a dream come true.’ On his injured strikers Le Prevost added: ‘Neither played in the last half hour of the Jeremie Cup final against Trinity, but we won the game.

‘It will be very disappointing if neither can play because they have worked well together and they have a good understanding.

‘Of course it would be a setback because they have played all season.

It’s no good going to Jersey if you are not confident and we are going there with the right attitude.’ North last played and lost in the Upton to Jersey Scottish 2-0 in the last replay in 1992.

Scottish are appearing in their ninth Upton in 16 seasons.

Kick-off is at 2 pm.

Scottish: Gareth Bayley, James Scott, Scott Devlin, Craig Ferey, Paul Duxbury, Jack Boyle, Luke Watson, David Brodie, Ryan Lumsden, Ali Santos, Jason O’Prey, Calum Brennan, Rueben Legge, Mark Brown, Ross Crick and Paul Aitken.