Midfielder Matt Saunders has been included in the Daggers XI squad to play Bowers & Pitsea tonight

Midfielder Matt Saunders has been included in the Dagenham & Redbridge squad that travel to Bowers & Pitsea tonight for a pre-season friendly.

Saunders has not featured for Daggers since injuring his ankle during the celebrations that followed his winning goal against Bradford City in March.

But the 22-year-old is now ready to gain some valuable match fitness and, following the reappearance of Sam Williams and Kevin Maher in Saturday’s 4-1 win at Gresley after long injury lay-offs, manager John Still believes the trio are all on track to be fit for the opening day of the season.

He said: “Sam Williams and Kevin Maher came through Saturday’s match ok. Matt Saunders is a little bit behind them, but will play some part in our friendlies this week.

“They should all be fit for the start of the season, which is so refreshing after the difficulties we had last year.”

Meanwhile, Still has confirmed former defender Will Antwi is training with Daggers while he continues to search for a new club.

He added: “Will Antwi is joining us for training to keep himself fit.

“I didn’t want to give Scott Doe 90 minutes at Gresley, so Will played in the second half.”