TNS boss Scott Ruscoe has insisted the JD Welsh Cup is very important to his side ahead of their trip to Cwmbran Celtic on Saturday 91.30)

Ruscoe highlighted the importance of the cup, after crashing out of the Nathaniel MG Cup and IRN-BRU Cup already this season while playing catch up to Connahs Quay Nomads and Barry Town United in the league.

Ruscoe said: “The Welsh Cup is very important to us. We’re only in two competitions this season now. Wee were in four at the start of the season so we need a good cup run in this competition.”

The Saints will be looking to get back to winning ways following their draw at home to Cardiff Metropolitan last weekend when a late Dean Ebbe goal saved the hosts a point.

Ruscoe will not be experimenting with progress at stake and his side enduring a goal drought.

“We’ll have a look at the game just gone and see what the best team will be for the weekend and decide upon any changes if necessary,” said Ruscoe. “I think we’re playing a very strong side and whether we change our formation to counter what they’ve got and to get more bodies forward early on or not is something we’ll have a look at.”

Ruscoe’s side have managed to find the net just four times in their last five outings and Ruscoe admitted his side’s lack of goals had been a concern.

However Ruscoe did not expect a cup classic and predicted a physical contest.

“We’re not looking at playing any quick passing football, it will be more direct because we don’t want to be getting caught out in the middle of the pitch,” said Ruscoe.

“We will be looking at getting more bodies forward and into the box and creating a lot of chances for our forward players to work at which we haven’t been doing so much in the past few weeks.”

Meanwhile Blaine Hudson has stepped up his bid to return to fitness with the ex-Chester and Wrexham defender a notable absentee during the Saints November slump in form which has seen them drop to third in the table.