DAVID Trotter admits the pressure will be on him at Stalbridge tomorrow (1.30pm).

Weymouth’s captain make his first appearance of the Dorest Premier League season after recovering from a knee ligament injury.

And while the former Minor Counties bowler is itching to get back, he knows that being skipper does not guarantee his place in the side.

He said: “I do feel some extra pressure because I’m captain but I am confident that once I cross that boundary line everything will fall into place. I’ve played a few Evening League games and a 45-over Sunday match and the knee seems to be holding up well.

“But I am no different to anyone else. I have to perform tomorrow and perform well because if I don’t, my place will be under threat and it makes no difference that I am captain.

“The bulk of the pressure though I put on myself because a large number of people have placed a lot of faith and confidence in me and I would not want to let those people down. So yes, the pressure is on but I’m looking forward to it immensely.”

Trotter’s return is one of two changes to the side that enjoyed a thrilling victory over Blandford at Redlands last weekend. The other sees Paul Payne recalled at the expense of Tommy England with Firaz Ulhaq making way for the captain.

Trotter added: “Payner has struggled all winter with a shoulder problem and so he’s had a gradual start to the season with games for the thirds and seconds.

“The good news is that he now feels ready for Premier League cricket and his return is a big boost both in the batting and fielding departments. Both Tommy and Firaz can consider themselves unlucky because neither has done anything wrong in our opening two games.

“Fortunately both lads have taken the news well and remain an important part of the first-team squad.”

It might be early days in the Premier League campaign, but the Seasiders know that nothing short of a victory at the Park will do in their quest for silverware this summer.

Trotter said: “We go there with one goal, and that is to win. If we are serious about challenging for the title then these are the games we have to take maximum points from.

“I’m not too sure about Stalbridge as a side these days although I notice they really struggled last week with their batting. But we’ll be taking nothing for granted and it’s sure to be a tough match for us.

“In the past, the Park pitch has provided seam but also offered an opportunity to score runs and so it’s a pretty fair place to play cricket. Our record up there is very good and I am hopeful that will continue tomorrow.”

Weymouth: Ryall, Janaway, Fitzgerald, Payne, Bray, Mote, Fulton, Whyte, Hutchens, Trotter, Nobbs.

Following last week’s nine-wicket victory at Puddletown, Weymouth Thirds will be full of confidence ahead of tomorrow’s Dorset League Division Five trip to Wareham.

The Purbeck boys have suffered heavy defeats in both their opening games so the Seasiders will no doubt be targeting a second win on the spin.