Jackson is one of 21 players who form the fledgling Guernsey Islanders

Guernsey's Matt Jackson has been asked to attend final try-outs for the Great Britain Lions American football team at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The 20-year-old wide receiver hopes to break into the squad for the European Championship campaign this summer.

Jackson impressed at the senior try-outs last year, but was set some targets for building his strength.

He said: "I'm nervous and of course excited about getting another chance with Great Britain."

Jackson is one of the 21 players who form the fledgling Guernsey Islanders, who have struggled to establish themselves as a team due to the prohibitive costs of playing games both home and away.

He has been signed by Sussex Thunder for the 2010 BAFL season, after a recommendation from the Great Britain Lions Youth and Guernsey Islanders coach Steve Rains.

Rains said: "This has been quite a month for Matt - he went for try-outs at Sussex and they simply couldn't believe that he had never played a game. They signed him immediately.

"He has worked very hard and deserves this chance. I also believe he has a genuine chance to break into the Lions set-up. He is already on their watch list."

Jackson added: "Of course I would ideally like to wear Guernsey Green for the Islanders, but the chance to get on the field for Sussex is just fantastic - they are a well organised club and have made me feel very welcome."

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