RICHARD Tomkins is expected to figure for Bromsgrove Rovers as they open their pre-season programme at home to First Division Walsall tomorrow (3pm).

The young winger made several appearances for Worcester City last season having been a member of their Academy, but rejected the offer of a contract at St George's Lane.

He is now training with Rovers and manager George Rooney said: "He has trained hard and he will certainly get a piece of the game tomorrow."

Rooney will also field trialist midfielder Mark Atkins, formerly with Aston Villa, and right-winger Marcus Jackson who helped Stourbridge to the Midland Alliance title last season.

Rovers are hoping that Walsall's new signing Paul Merson may figure in the match although they are also sending a side to Moor Green tonight and he may be involved there.

Rooney added: "I should imagine it will be squad players that aren't involved tonight plus some younger players, which should still be a tough test for us."

Meanwhile, Evesham United boss Phil Mullen is backing Inderpaul Khela to make a big impact this season.

The midfielder, who was recently released by Kidderminster Harriers, has agreed to sign permanently for the Robins after a successful loan spell at Common Road last season.

He will figure in tomorrow's home friendly with Hellenic League side Tuffley Rovers (3pm), along with striker Mark Shepherd who missed last week's 3-1 defeat against Kidderminster through illness.

Mullen said of Khela: "I am chuffed to get him. He is very enthusiastic and says he will score me 20 goals from midfield.

"I still think there is a lot to come from him."