WORCESTER Wolves player-coach Rick Solvason is backing new boy Keith Jarrett to be a big hit.

The 21-year-old forward makes his Wolves debut in tonight's National Basketball League Patrons Cup clash with Liverpool at University College Worcester (7pm).

The former Birmingham Bullets player, who is taking a year off from college basketball in the United States, is unlikely to start tonight but will be introduced at some stage in the match, and Solvason is impressed with how he has shaped up in training.

"He had a very good session with us the other night and he is keen to get into the action," said Solvason.

"He will offer us some strength inside. He has good athletic ability, a nice touch and is aggressive on the rebounds.

"He has played to a good standard. We have made some pretty good signings and he is right up there with the top ones."

Jarrett replaces Matt Wurmli in an otherwise unchanged squad from that which beat Northampton in the league last week.

Wolves have won both their previous Patrons Cup group matches against Coventry, and victory tonight will take them a step closer to winning the group and a place in the semi-finals.

Solvason said of Liverpool: "The team is new to us but we have had a scouting report and they seem to be playing well at the moment.

"It should be a test but I am confident that the guys are going to be up for the game.

"It is a team we have to play four times this season and if we can get a win it will put us in good stead for the other games."

Wolves have a weekend double-header with Hull in the league next week, playing them at home on Saturday and away on Sunday.