PHC Zebras coach Quincy Hunt has shrugged off concerns over the fitness of star striker Enrique Russell ahead of the Friendship Trophy final on New Year’s Day at Somerset Cricket Club.

Holders PHC are going in search of a third straight and record fifteenth title when they face Dandy Town in the highly anticipated showdown.

Russell’s availability was questioned after he was substituted in the 75th minute during the narrow 2-1 triumph over North Village in a thrilling semi-final at Wellington Oval on Boxing Day.

However, Hunt has dismissed any fitness concerns.

He insisted the substitution was made to add fresh legs in attack and preserve the player for the final as the holders look to add to their legacy in the competition.

“We are a team and have to save players,” Hunt told The Royal Gazette. “Enrique did his job and we needed some fresh legs up there, so we just take care of and manage our players as best we can. Sometimes we don’t want to, but we have to manage players in the moment, and in that moment we had to take him off.”

Russell was instrumental in the victory, tormenting the Village defence with his dribbling and movement. He also scored what proved to be the game winner just before the break.

Despite Russell’s influence over PHC, it was goalkeeper Quinaceo Hunt who took home the man-of-the-match award, and Russell praised the important work of the defence in securing the win.

“Our defending was top-tier and saved us the game — between the goalkeeper and the back four,” Russell said. “I scored, but they gave us a good chance to win the game, so credit to them.”

PHC are making their record 22nd appearance in the final. Midfielder Kadeem Abraham, captain in the semi-final in the absence of the injured Daren Usher, is relishing the occasion.

“It’s always nice to be in a final and play on New Year’s Day, the big crowd and atmosphere, and we are looking forward to it,” Abraham said.

“I know Town will bring their A game and show up with a plan, so we’ll need to rise to the challenge on the day. We are looking forward to a great battle.”

Town captain Danté Leverock is equally enthusiastic about the intriguing match-up.

“We are proud and excited to get to a final, especially after last season; you can see the progression of the coaching staff and players’ commitment,” Leverock said.

“PHC are obviously a good team: organised, good players. They will be the favourites and the pressure is on them. I don’t think anyone really expected us to do as well as we are doing this season, so honestly we are just focusing on getting the result.”

Leverock, who guided Town to a 3-0 league victory over PHC in their previous meeting, highlighted the blend of youth and experience in his squad.

“We are super excited seeing the progression, the mixture of youth and older statesmen in our team, and we are looking forward to getting a result,” he said. “This is my first final after being back home and playing, so I am excited.”

Four-times champions Town, making their thirteenth final appearance and first in three seasons, booked their spot with a hard-fought 3-2 comeback win over Hamilton Parish in the other semi-final at PHC Field on Friday night.

The First Division Shield final between Somerset Trojans and Boulevard Blazers will kick off at noon, with the main event following at 2pm.