TNS manager Scott Ruscoe believes the experience of the older players in his side will be vital ahead of the league split later this month.

His side travels to Newtown on Friday before their final phase one game takes place the following Saturday at home against Connah’s Quay Nomads.

Ruscoe insisted his side had the experience of success to maintain their dominance of Welsh football.

“Experience at this stage is very important for us,” said Ruscoe. “We have players who know how to win big games and how to push on and win titles so these will be important for us.

“It will be imperative they pass on information to the younger players who haven’t been with us too long and haven’t had the experience of winning championships and cup medals.

“I think it’s vital that they send out the right message, along with the staff, and prepare the young lads for the run-in.”

Ruscoe expected a tough end to the season with the Saints facing the top five clubs in the league all over again between now and May.

“In the 10 remaining games after the split, you are playing against teams of better quality each week, so it’s a massive part of the season,” said Ruscoe.

The format has proven a polarising issue since its inception a decade ago with some supporters describing the format as boring with clubs playing each other four times a season.

However Ruscoe is not a member of that camp with the Saints manager a supporter of the format.

“I like the format,” said Ruscoe. “It shows when you do get to January there is still a lot to play for.

“I think last year it was no different; I can’t remember if we were still top or if we were a little bit behind at this stage of the season last year, so we know there are a lot of tough games to come and we’ll need to be at our best.

“We know teams are going to drop points against each other each week too which makes it more interesting.

“We want to make sure we work hard and nail down our tactics now so we can get to it and prove how good we are.

“Our ultimate aim is to win the double like last season,” he said.

“Last season we won the league by 12 points and the Welsh Cup with a dominant performance on the last day of the season which was great.”