Garbelotto desperate for Aliu return

Mersey coach Tony Garbelotto is desperate for the return of captain David Aliu to help the Tigers challenge for the play-offs and beyond.

The Tigers travel to Durham on Sunday on the back of successive road wins, having beaten Glasgow and Guildford on their last two away trips, which has ignited their play-off push.

They now have four wins to their name, and Garbelotto feels he now has a squad capable of challenging the top eight.

He said: “I think we are nearly ready to challenge most teams but we need David Aliu back on the court for this to happen.”

Last weekend, the Tigers were beaten 83-73 by high-flying Plymouth, but Garbelotto will be hoping that his side can follow up the 85-81 win they recorded over the Wildcats earlier in the season.

He added: “We have only played them once but have some pretty good tape on them so I think we will have a good idea of their strengths by the time we play them.

“I was very impressed with Plymouth’s resolve (last week). They seem to be able to win even when they don’t play well and that is a credit to the players and coach. I was happy with a number of our players.”