HEAD coach Aaron Nell hopes that his British contingent can continue to step up to the plate and safely navigate the Swindon Wildcats through their current injury troubles.

The Link Centre chief expects himself and D-man Callum Buglass to remain out for a while yet as they both recover from dislocated shoulders, while Toms Rutkis is also currently sidelined as Cats prepare to host the Manchester Phoenix today (face-off 5.45pm) before travelling to the Milton Keynes Lightning tomorrow (face-off 7pm).

However, Swindon pulled together and got back to winning ways by claiming a four-point weekend last time out thanks to victories over the Sheffield Steeldogs and the Bracknell Bees.

The additions of Matt Selby, Ryan Aldridge and 17-year-old Jordan Kelsall have also helped ease the burden and Nell has his fingers crossed that his Brits will carry on bringing home the bacon.

“We had a tough week last week, we worked hard at practice and we came through,” said the Cats chief.

“It could have been two big banana skins; two games we expect to win – let’s not get it wrong – and we came through.

“Especially after that first period (in last weekend’s 7-3 win over Sheffield), we could have crumbled but we didn’t and we came back hard and stuck together, and that’s what it’s all about.

“There were some great performances again from our British players.

“I think, Floyd Taylor had his best weekend for the Wildcats – he’s probably had more ice-time last weekend than the whole of last month but he’s taken that chance and he’s done really well.

“Kyle (Smith) was good, Adam (Finlinson) was good, Bully (Sam Bullas) was great again, the D were really good, Lee Richardson had his best weekend of the year – if the British players can step up like they have last weekend, then we’re going to be successful.

“Our imports are obviously very good, Stevie Lyle’s brilliant and when the Brits step up like that, it makes us a very good team.

“Me, Callum (Buglass) and Toms (Rutkis) are going to be out for a little while longer but again, Selbs (Matt Selby) coming in, Jordan Kelsall coming in and Ryan (Aldridge) coming in when he can has helped us and when we do get back, we’ll be like three new additions to the line-up.

“We’re going to be out for a little while yet. We’ve lost three players but players have really stepped up.”