Sarich usually plays as a defenceman but will be up front against Manchester

Sheffield Steelers head coach Dave Matsos has had to change things around for this weekend's games against Manchester Phoenix.

The Steelers have been hit by international call-ups, with Jonathan Phillips, Ashley Tait, Jason Hewitt and Robert Dowd on duty with Great Britain.

That means the club only have five forwards and so Matsos will use defenceman Rod Sarich up front.

"Roddy is a great skater and it made sense to use him as a winger," he said.

"We don't call him 'Rocket Rod' for nothing, he's been flying in practice all week he is a big guy and he has been driving the net and fits in really well with Jeff Legue and Joey Talbot."

I have faith in these guys and I believe they will do it this weekend Sheffield Steelers head coach Dave Matsos

The Steelers start the weekend four points behind the Elite League leaders Coventry Blaze but with a game in hand.

"It is a great chance for us to try and claw some points back, but that is a big mountain to climb to get back on level terms with the Blaze. We are up for it and really focused for the games.

"We are happy that the four guys have been chosen to represent their country that is a massive honour, but at this stage those are the players who have been our hot sticks.

"I am expecting the imports to step up to the plate this weekend and prove that they can do it, I have faith in these guys and I believe they will do it this weekend."

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