TNS manager Scott Ruscoe has backed his side to rise to the challenge ahead of the second phase of the J D Welsh Premier season which kicks off at Cefn Druids tonight (Friday).

The Saints remain in contention for a clean sweep of honours having already secured the Nathaniel MG Cup and a place in the latter rounds of both the JD Welsh Cup and Irn Bru Cup while establishing a commanding 12 point lead at the top of the J D Welsh Premier.

"This is the important time for our bread and butter which is always the league" said Ruscoe. "We’ve got Cefn Druids away at the start of our 10 final games so we need to get off the mark there with a good performance. Then there’s the big one at home to Bangor which has come around quickly considering we only played them a few weeks ago.

Despite being hugely successful in his playing days at Park Hall, Ruscoe remains a management rookie but could complete a quadruple of honours in his first season in the top job.

Ruscoe paid tribute to his predecessors and the existing squad he inherited at the start of his tenure.

"If you look at the core of our side, and all around it, from Paul Harrison to Connell Rawlinson, both full backs, Aeron Edwards in midfield and up top Greg Draper, they’ve all done it," said Ruscoe. "They’ve won leagues, cups, the Champions League games and all the league games. You will lean on players of that experience because they’ve been there and done it.

"There was a stage early on in the season where I thought we’ve just got to get our head in front and those experienced players will get us over the line because they’ve been here before and know what it takes. They know there’s going to be the odd slip-up but they know what’s needed to go ahead and win that title.

"When you’re winning titles and continue to push other teams away, these are the characters you want in the dressing room."