SHEFFIELD Tigers are urging fans to turn out in big numbers and back the side against in-form Birmingham in Thursday’s Premier Trophy action at Owlerton (7.45).

Tigers boss Eric Boocock feels the Brummies are the best team in the league right now – and it’s a big challenge for his team.

He said: “Birmingham have got a smashing team and this will be a real benchmark for us to see how we are stacking up.

“It’s an important meeting because we want to win by more than six and take maximum points. Even if Birmingham go on and win the group, we need to be challenging for qualification as the best runners-up.”

Tigers have shuffled the pack with Josh Auty switching to the number two position and Hugh Skidmore going to number four.

Birmingham have just announced the capture of former Sheffield man Steve Johnston on a full-time basis from Somerset after starting the season on loan.

"They've got strength in every department and that's why they've been so successful," said Tigers owner Neil Machin.

SHEFFIELD: Ricky Ashworth, Josh Auty, Richard Hall, Hugh Skidmore, Josef Franc, Paul Cooper, Arlo Bugeja.

BIRMINGHAM: Steve Johnston, Aaron Summers, Chris Kerr, Richard Sweetman, Jason Lyons, Justin Sedgmen, Jake Anderson.