Mears plays in Singapore opener

Last updated : 20 July 2010 By Tony Scholes
The only player ruled out is Martin Paterson. He's had a reaction to the achilles injury that kept him out last week at Oldham and although not serious he won't be risked.

Our opponents Gombak United are currently in fifth place in the Singapore 'S' League and are expected to provide tough opposition in conditions that will prove difficult for our players.

Manager Brian Laws said: "Tyrone will play today. We will give him his minutes and although he hasn't had any yet, he is a naturally fit player and he'll enjoy the run out.

"Martin Paterson has felt a little reaction to his achilles though and so we won't risk him. It's nothing serious, but we will rest him up. It's important that we make sure he is absolutely right before he goes out and plays to his capacity."

Laws wants to give all his players some game time and added: "We will start with looking to give everyone 45 minutes and we're hoping some may complete more.

"But the conditions will dictate that because the important thing in pre-season is to come through all the games unscatherd. You have to take into account the elements and the weather conditions here are going to be the biggest test.

"The heat is intense and while that is good for fitness and you benefit from that back in the UK, you don't feel like you are seeing those benefits out here. It's tough to work in, so we have to be very mindfiel that the players will be going through body changes within the game."

Today's game kicks off at 5:00 p.m. local time which is 10:00 a.m. in the UK.