TNS boss Scott Ruscoe has revealed the spectre of his side’s Nathaniel MG Cup semi-final defeat to Cambrian and Clydach looms large in the memory ahead of Saturday’s JD Welsh Cup quarter-final clash at Llandudno..

The Saints were dumped out of the Nathaniel MG Cup by the Tonypandy minnows who seized upon the Saints rotated squad to complete one of the cup shocks of recent seasons.

Ruscoe was mindful of a repeat at the hands of bottom of the table Llandudno.

However the Saints chief insisted his side had turned the corner following an indifferent start to the campaign with eight wins under their belts in the last 10 games.

Ruscoe said: “I don’t want to be in a position where we’ve made the mistake of too many changes again like I did in the semi-final of the Nathaniel Cup.

“I’ve learned my lesson and I’ll make sure that if I make those changes, they will be ones that are comfortable enough for us to win the game with whoever comes into the side.

“If do make those changes, I think the players will have learned their lesson about what is expected of them.”

Ruscoe insisted TNS would not be complacent with the memories of their night in Tonypandy still raw.

“We were not on a great run of the time but we haven’t lost since November and we’re on a great run in terms of goals scored too.

“I’ve learned my lesson, the players have too and I don’t think we’re going to fall into that trap.”

Ruscoe is set to hand Greg Draper a rare start with the New Zealander topping the goal charts with 18 goals despite restricted game time this season.

Draper’s account of a goal every 39 minutes makes him among Europe’s most prolific scorers.

“We’re definitely tempted enough to start with Greg as part of three or four who deserves a chance against Llandudno,” said Ruscoe.

Ruscoe hopes to hand January signing Billy Whitehouse a start having set-up Draper for his goal in the 3-0 win at Caernarfon Town on Monday night.

Ruscoe said: “We’ll train and have a look what injuries we’ve got and then take it from there.”