Parry prepared to give a trial to four young Rovers trialists

Jul 26 2011 Liverpool Daily Post

MANAGER Les Parry is ready to test the potential of four Tranmere trialists in two contrasting warm-up games over the next two nights.

Angolan striker Helio Andre, French Moroccan wide midfielder Riyad Boukakiou, Lithuanian front man Nikolaj Misuik and Londoner Mustapha Tiryaki will be given run outs in a youth and reserve side at Heswall this evening (kick-off 7pm).

If any of them impress, they are liable to see some action when a senior Rovers’ side take on a Manchester United XI at Prenton Park tomorrow (kick-off 7:30pm).

Parry is still looking to add several new faces to his squad before the summer transfer window closes at the end of August and says he won’t be rushing into making signings before the League One campaign kicks off a week on Saturday with a home game against Chesterfield.

Helio Andre, an 18-year-old who made two appearances for Rochdale at the start of last season, will be seeing his first Tranmere action at Heswall after arriving at Prenton Park yesterday.

Boukakiou, Musuik and Tiryaki figured in the 2-0 defeat at Altrincham last Saturday.

Parry said: “Nikolaj arrived only the night before the Altrincham game. Originally we did not intend to play him at Altrincham but with Enoch Showunmi taking a knock, we sent him on the last half hour or so.

“All of the trialists will play at Heswall and if anyone shines in that game, we will ask them to stay on and play some part against Manchester United.”

Parry insists he is not concerned about the high count in players missing games through injuries during the pre-season programme.

Zoumana Bakayogo, Adam McGurk, Andy Robinson and goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams were absent at Altrincham and three more players, Joss Labadie, John Welsh and Ash Taylor reported that knocks after the weekend.

Parry said: “It seems as if we are having a high number of players out with injuries but a lot of it is intentional. If players have niggles we are pulling them out.

“Last summer we were asking them to play on with the little problems they had and ended up kicking off the season with a few lads being unavailable. So we are taking a different approach this time.

“The injuries are not too serious. The one causing most concern is to Owain Fon Williams.”

Former Wales under 21 goalkeeper Fon Williams has not been able to play since signing a two-year contract with Tranmere earlier this month, because of a thigh injury.

However, Parry is hopeful Fon Williams will see some action this week, if not against Manchester United then on the Friday night trip to Shrewsbury Town.

Said Parry: “Owain is doing a lot more goalkeeping work now in training and starting to do some kicking.

“I would like Owain to have a couple of games under his belt before we start playing for points.”

Tranmere are waiting to resolve the contract issue over Lucas Akins.

The 21-year-old front man was offered terms for the new season after making 35 appearances in 2010/11 but has not yet accepted and is working on a week to week contract.

Parry said: “We’ve had a chat with Lucas’s agent but he still has not signed.

“We need to get it sorted out one way or the other. I want Lucas to stay. He did a good job for us last year and hopefully he’ll decide to stay here.”

Season-ticket holders will enjoy reduced admission prices for the friendly against Manchester United tomorrow. The Main Stand and Paddocks will be open for home supporters with away fans in the Cowshed Stand. Tickets are required for the Main Stand with cash at the turnstile in other areas.

Admission is £10 for adults (£8 for season-ticket holders), seniors and young person’s £5 (£4 for season-ticket holders) juniors and disabled £4 (£3 for season-ticket holders).