HE'S faced the rest, now Priestley Farquharson wants to face the best as Connah's Quay Nomads prepare to tackle The New Saints.

Farquharson has made three appearances for Nomads since signing from Hayes and Yeading in January, including home and away league and cup matches against Caernarfon and the top of the table showdown with Barry Town United.

The 21-year-old caught the eye of manager Andy Morrison in Friday's 2-1 Welsh Cup win at Caernarfon, and the versatile defender hopes to get the nod to tackle reigning champions The New Saints on Saturday evening.

"I’ve played two games against Caernarfon, who are a big fighting team, and I've played against Barry, so it would be good to play someone like TNS," he said of the top versus second battle at the Deeside Stadium.

"Hopefully I can play some part against TNS because it’s a big game. There is us, TNS and Barry fighting it out and TNS are obviously one of the best teams in the league, so it would be good to play and prove myself.

"There is a big title race on. This game could be big factor in that, and then there is the last game of the season which could also determine where the title goes, so hopefully we can beat TNS this weekend."

Farquharson was described by boss Morrison as a "man-mountain" after his performance in the quarter-final success over Caernarfon, which was music to the defender's ears.

"When he said that I was over the moon," he said. "When he said ‘Priestley is a man-mountain’ I was chuffed. It’s good hearing that from him."

On the victory as a whole, which helped Nomads reach the semi-finals of the competition - for a fourth successive year - they won back in May, Farquharson said: "It was an excellent win. The boys fought hard the whole 90 minutes.

"I thought I had a good game. I’m not that used to playing right-back, but I tried to stay solid and not let anyone beat me down the line. I was right-back and then moved to left-back and I enjoyed it."

Farquharson made the move to north Wales from London, a decision the youngster is delighted with after an impressive start to life in a Nomads' shirt.

"I’m loving it," he declared. "It’s different from London, but Wales is good, the boys are good and they’ve welcomed me.

"The chance of European football was a big factor for me, but you need to take a risk in life.

"It’s paying off well, more than I thought it would be at this stage."

HE’S faced the rest, now Priestley Farquharson wants to face the best as Connah’s Quay Nomads prepare to tackle The New Saints.

Farquharson has made three appearances for Nomads since signing from Hayes and Yeading in January, including home and away league and cup matches against Caernarfon and the top of the table showdown with Barry Town United.

The 21-year-old caught the eye of manager Andy Morrison in Friday’s 2-1 Welsh Cup win at Caernarfon, and the versatile defender hopes to get the nod to tackle reigning champions The New Saints on Saturday evening.

“I’ve played two games against Caernarfon, who are a big fighting team, and I’ve played against Barry, so it would be good to play someone like TNS,” he said of the top versus second battle at the Deeside Stadium.

“Hopefully I can play some part against TNS because it’s a big game. There is us, TNS and Barry fighting it out and TNS are obviously one of the best teams in the league, so it would be good to play and prove myself.

“There is a big title race on. This game could be big factor in that, and then there is the last game of the season which could also determine where the title goes, so hopefully we can beat TNS this weekend.”

Farquharson was described by boss Morrison as a “man-mountain” after his performance in the quarter-final success over Caernarfon, which was music to the defender’s ears.

“When he said that I was over the moon,” he said. “When he said ‘Priestley is a man-mountain’ I was chuffed. It’s good hearing that from him.”

On the victory as a whole, which helped Nomads reach the semi-finals of the competition - for a fourth successive year - they won back in May, Farquharson said: “It was an excellent win. The boys fought hard the whole 90 minutes.

“I thought I had a good game. I’m not that used to playing right-back, but I tried to stay solid and not let anyone beat me down the line. I was right-back and then moved to left-back and I enjoyed it.”

Farquharson made the move to north Wales from London, a decision the youngster is delighted with after an impressive start to life in a Nomads’ shirt.

“I’m loving it,” he declared. “It’s different from London, but Wales is good, the boys are good and they’ve welcomed me.

“The chance of European football was a big factor for me, but you need to take a risk in life.

“It’s paying off well, more than I thought it would be at this stage.”

Wales C will announce their squad for the clash with England C in Salford on Wednesday with Nomads' trio Jake Phillips, Rob Hughes and James Owen eligible for Mark Jones' side.

The game, scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, takes place just four days before Nomads' Scottish Challenge Cup final against Ross County in Inverness.

Morrison wouldn't stand in the trio's way if they were included, however, saying: "It can only be good for a young player to be in that environment and it’s a proud moment to put on the shirt of your country at whatever level.

It’s something to be proud of.