FOREST GREEN ROVERS boss Gary Owers is set to hand debuts to eight players as Rovers kick off their eighth Conference National campaign with a tricky opening day home clash against Cambridge United on Saturday, 3pm.

As Owers fine tunes his new-look squad, he was remaining optimistic in his pursuit of former Reading striker Bas Savage, who impressed during his goalscoring appearance for Rovers in the pre-season clash against Bristol City.

Owers said: "We are speaking to Bas with a view to him playing on Saturday," Meanwhile, Owers continues talks with Christian Sylvestre and former Aston Villa winger John McGrath who scored in the 1-1 draw with Yate Town last Saturday.

Ryan Clarke is set to start in goal after securing a season-long loan from Bristol Rovers.

Former Wrexham stopper Ryan Harrison will act as cover. Sekani Simpson and Abdou Sall will add flair and steel to the defence, following their respective moves from Bristol City and Kidderminster.

Owers has also brought in Luke Graham on loan from Northampton Town.

The midfield will be bolstered by the arrival of Paul Wanless from Oxford United, and in attack the burgeoning talent of Bruno Teixeria should add a cutting edge.

Meanwhile, Rovers will be without the injured Ian Foster, who is yet to kick a ball in anger following his transfer from Kidderminster. Simieon Howell, signed on loan from Reading is sidelined after damaging a muscle on the bottom of his foot.

Owers added. "Things have gone well in pre-season and we will be looking to get off to a good start with a win."

Forest Green probable squad: R. Clarke, R. Harrison. S. Simpson, D.Searle, J. Richardson (capt), A. Sall, A. Meechan, P. Wanless, S.Rogers, L. Graham, B. Teixeira, M. Gadsby, A. Garner, D. Davies, M. Danks, C.Sylvestre.

CHILDREN under -16 will be able to watch the season opener for just £1.For further information call 01453 834860. u ROVERS travel to Tamworth on Tuesday night.