CRAIG HARRISON has stressed the importance of the squad game ahead of another huge evening of European action for The New Saints.

Aiming to make it two wins out of three in the UEFA Conference League, the Saints are heading to League of Ireland Shamrock Rovers for their next encounter this evening.

Saints’ boss Harrison says the entire squad will be needed if his side are to take another big stride towards qualification from the group phase.

He told the club’s X site: “There’ll be some disappointments, but as has proven with plenty of games in the past, you look at it and over the whole European campaign, our subs have been really vital and it happened (against Astana) as well.”

Following a 2-0 away defeat to Italian giants Fiorentina to open the campaign, the Saints recovered to record a 2-0 triumph of their own at home to Astana, of Kazakhstan.

Rory Holden (pictured right) and Declan McManus grabbed the goals on what was a historic occasion for the Cymru Premier League champions.

Harrison added: “I think Ben Clark and Adam Wilson combined and got a penalty, and probably won the game for us, because it’s killed them off with Dec’s fantastic penalty.

“So, from that point of view, the lads, all of them want to play. Yes they do, but unfortunately 11 can only play, but what I would say and what I’ll be saying to all the players is that it’s really important you’re a good team-mate.”

Harrison has been short-listed for the Cymru Premier League’s October manager of the month award.

Despite the distraction and the demands of their European campaign, the Saints made strides forward in the league during the month by winning four of their five games.

Other nominees are Barry’s Steve Jenkins and Haverfordwest’s Tony Pennock.

Versatile Saints’ forward Remi Oteh has been included in the player of the month short-list.

He scored four goals during October, including a brace and an assist in the 5-0 win over Flint Town United.

Lee Jenkins (Haverfordwest), Louis Lloyd (Caernarfon) and Keenan Patten (Barry) are the other nominees.

Chelsea are also in action tonight at home to Noah while Hearts host Heidenheim.