RYAN Young will make his Redditch United debut next week keen to show just why he is set to claim the goalkeeper's jersey from Valley Stadium stalwart Richard Anstiss.
For when Reds take on Coca-Cola Championship side Watford for the Jimmy Davis Memorial Trophy on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm), the former Hednesford man looks set to be the only player to get the full 90 minutes as manager Rod Brown rings the changes.
Young was one of Brown's 'Magnificent Seven' to join the Nationwide North side earlier in the summer but has already ensured his name will be first on the teamsheet when the season starts next month.
The United boss has agreed to allow Travel Factory Midland Alliance side Boldmere St Michaels to take Anstiss on loan leaving Young as his first choice keeper.
Another of Brown's summer signings, winger Chris Murphy, will particularly be looking forward to the game as it will see him line up opposite former Cheltenham Town teammate Martin Devaney who has just linked up with the Hornets.
The Reds returned to training last week and Brown admitted Murphy looked the fittest of the lot.
"I was very impressed," the managed said. "All the lads have looked good but his level of fitness was excellent."
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd is set to bring a full-strength side to the Valley Stadium for Tuesday's game, the first in a hectic pre-season schedule for the Hertfordshire outfit.
Former England u21 international Jordan Stewart, snapped up from Leicester City last month, is also set to figure in the match while French pair Hameur Bouazza and Toumani Diagouraga look likely to add some Gallic flair.
Proceeds from the game will go the Jimmy Davis Memorial Fund and match organiser Tim Wilkes hopes the match will prove as successful as last year's contest with Swindon Town.
More than £10,000 was raised from that game, money that has since been put back into football in the form of grants to junior clubs in the area.
Admission to the game costs £5 (£2 for juniors).
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