DORCHESTER Town manager Steve Thompson is eager to see more of his squad during their BigFreeBet.com Challenge Cup clash with Steve Claridge’s Salisbury City at the Avenue Stadium tonight (7.45pm).

Thompson is in the process of figuring out his strongest 11, and says the game is ideal to see players in a “first-team match situation”.

He told Echosport: “It’s another opportunity to see players play and Salisbury have been a Conference club only five or six years ago.

“I’m glad we’ve got the game with no weekend game, so that works out well.

“It’s hard to say what the full-strength side is at the moment, a couple of lads have got knocks. I want to see us win the game, but I want to see players play to see how they can do in a first-team match situation.”

Thompson is keen to pit his wits against Claridge, and expects a “tough game” against the Lilywhites.

He said: “I’m just thinking about the game at the moment. It will be good to see Steve, I haven’t seen him for a little while.

“It’s a good game to have, really. Salisbury are a strong club and they do have some good players so I’m sure it will be a very tough game.”

Thompson also gave updates on David Jerrard and new striker Oliver Taylor.

“Oliver won’t be involved, he’s on holiday. David is not injured and he’s trained well.

“There’s a lot of players at the club and so I have to look at that. I can’t play all of them. David may get an opportunity on Monday,” he said.