MARK COOPER has revealed he tried to sign veteran defender Clint Hill.

Forest Green will come up against the former Premier League star tomorrow, when Hill's current club Carlisle United travel to the New Lawn

The 39-year-old left Scottish Premiership side Rangers in July and was a pre-season target for the League Two newcomers.

"We tried to sign Clint," revealed Cooper. "Obviously the location was an issue with Carlisle being a lot closer to Liverpool than we are. He is remarkable for his age at 39, what a pro, to be playing at that level and consistency at 39."

Hill has made more than 600 appearances in a 20-year career for clubs including Tranmere, QPR and Crystal Palace.

In a fascinating dual, Hill will go toe-to-toe with Forest Green hot-shot Christian Doidge and Cooper is relishing their battle, he added: "Doidgey will ask questions of him for certain and I'm sure Clint will know he in for a game."

Carlisle will include former Forest Green Wembley hero Mark Ellis, who played a pivotal part in Rovers' promotion season.

"He really came to the fore in the play-offs and he dragged Manny Monthe through the play-offs and helped us get over the line."