The NEW SAINTS boss Scott Ruscoe is backing returning keeper Andy Wycherley to cope under pressure as he deputises for the suspended Paul Harrison.

Harrison was sent-off in the dying stages of Saturday’s win at Connah’s Quay Nomads, leaving Ruscoe no choice but to recall Wycherley from his loan spell at Guilsfield.

He goes straight into the team against Bala Town tonight and will be between the sticks for Saturday’s return to Deeside against Nomads in the Welsh Cup quarter-finals.

But Ruscoe is expecting him to be at the top of his game.

“Andy is back for us tonight – we recalled him yesterday,” he said. “He’ll play in the cup game on Saturday too and it’ll be a good experience for him.

“Andy will be up to the test – he’s played plenty of games this year and he’s in good physical shape. The reports we’ve had back on him have been very good.

“It seems he’s been playing well and has saved Guilsfield many times and we’re looking to bring him back and throw him into two big games.

“Connah’s Quay will play on that but they couldn’t do any more than last weekend when they bombarded us.

“They brought a lad on at half-time just for his throw and it was huge, but we dealt with it, competed and won the second ball which was pleasing.

“We’ll be focussing the lads on Saturday – we went out of a cup last week and we want to go one better than last year in the Welsh Cup.

“We don’t want another scenario where we think it’s done and then they score two goals with no time to get back in the game.

“We’ll be reminding them about that for Saturday.”

While Ruscoe insisted he won’t be taking action against Harrison, who appeared to be dismissed for foul and abusive language, he admitted he will try to stamp out dissent from his players towards the ref.

He added: “Paul didn’t need to be told there and then – he's old and experienced enough to know himself.

“But I do think there’s a bit of dissent creeping into us on the pitch. Robbie Parry was sent off a few weeks back.

“We’re certainly not going to win the Fair Play Award this year, which we have done over the last few seasons.

“If anything, I was a little bit disappointed with that as I pride myself on integrity and a person who does things properly. To have that tarnished aside is a little bit disappointing.

“I would like to get that back on track so I will be having a word with the squad, but not individually.”

Saints face Bala at Park Hall (7.45pm).