New-boys face trial by Darby

2:39pm Thursday 17th July 2008

ROVERS fans got a first glimpse of five trialists who are looking to earn a place in Duane Darby's squad for the new season.

The most notable inclusion in the team for last night's 1-1 friendly draw at Cradley was experienced winger Paul Hall.

Hall has 41 caps for Jamaica and represented the Reggae Boyz at the 1998 World Cup in France.

His previous club's include Torquay United, Portsmouth, Coventry City and Walsall, while last season he had a loan spell at Wrexham.

There is no doubt the 36-year-old would add quality to the Rovers side.

But ultimately it will be a case of the club selling themselves to Hall if they are to pull of a transfer coup.

Manager Darby remains hopeful his old pal will be impressed by what he sees.

He said: "I know him very well, and he only lives in Droitwich.

"So hopefully we can do something with that situation.

"At the end of the day he is capable of playing a lot higher.

"He is coming here, training with us and playing with us and hopefully he will like what we are doing and decide to stay."

One of only two players to complete the full 90 minutes, defender Lee Clayton gave a decent account of himself.

Cradley gave the Rovers defensive collective a couple of early scares and although Clayton was not seriously tested he barely put a foot wrong.

He began the game in a defensive pairing with Gary Knight, before forming a back three alongside Chris McHale and another new signing Tom Brady.

Former Birmingham City trainees Omar Bangura and Joe Heidari were given their chance to impress.

Ball winner Bangura slotted into the centre of midfield for the first period alongside Keenan-Meakin Richards and was caught up in a congested middle of the park battle.

However, he was useful in the tackle, and may yet prove a useful asset to Rovers.

Dubbed Ronaldo' because of his resemblance to the Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Heidari made up the second-half forward line with Gareth Vizor.

Much like his strike partner, he will need to adapt to the physical demands of the non-league scene if he is to become a regular fixture at Rovers.

Another forward, Daniel Holgate, showed flashes of strength and power during his first-half appearance.

He went close with a first-half header and created an opportunity for himself by dispossessing Cradley full-back Henry Goh.

It was the displays of Holgate and Bangura which came in for specific praise from Darby.

He added: "Overall, the forward Daniel looked strong, he held the ball up.

"Omar in midfield did well as well, he gets his foot it.

"He's one of those unnoticeable players.

"He runs around, gets the ball and gives it to someone else."

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