WINNIPEG - Kicker Alexis Serna describes himself as a laid-back guy who doesn’t easily get rattled.

That’s good, considering the unsettled situation he finds himself in with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Serna is auditioning for the kicker’s job with the CFL club after 17-year veteran Troy Westwood was released Sunday.

Serna, a rookie, could boot his first pro field goal in Thursday’s final preseason game against the Montreal Alouettes at Canad Inns Stadium. He can’t wait for the opportunity to show he’s worthy of a job.

“It’s definitely been pretty interesting,” Serna said after Wednesday’s practice. “This is my first time being at a training camp and I’m not used to seeing guys come and go.

“Troy’s a legend and he’s going to be missed.”

The 23-year-old American played under former Blue Bombers head coach Mike Riley at Oregon State and won the Lou Groza Award in 2005 as U.S. college football’s top kicker.

However, Serna doesn’t have a firm grip on the Bombers’ job as import Brian Monroe and veteran Canadian punter Duncan O’Mahony are also in the mix.

Winnipeg coach Doug Berry said Serna will get most of the field-goal attempts against Montreal while O’Mahony will handle the majority of punts. Serna and Monroe will do the kickoffs.

Berry has an open mind about who will handle the Bombers kicking duties this season.

“I have no preconceived knowledge of any of these guys, and because I don’t, I’ve got to build a knowledge base and I’m going to allow them some flexibility,” Berry said.

The kickers won’t be the only players under the microscope Thursday night.

Berry said there’s about 20 roster spots up for grabs. He will be watching for players who make big plays, are consistent and hustle.

“I think we’ve got a decent football team coming back,” he said. “To still have so many younger guys that are competing, I think is a good sign.

“We have what I always aspire to have, a lot of competition.”

Many of the veterans who missed Winnipeg’s 12-10 preseason loss to Hamilton last week will take to the field. That includes quarterback Kevin Glenn, who missed last year’s Grey Cup loss to Saskatchewan with a broken arm.

Glenn will play at least the first half before giving way to Ryan Dinwiddie, Bryan Randall and Cleveland McCoy.

Montreal is expected to start veteran quarterback Anthony Calvillo, who didn’t play in last week’s 34-34 tie versus Toronto. If Calvillo plays, it will be his first game action since taking a leave from the team late last season after his wife was diagnosed with cancer.

Backup quarterback Marcus Brady should also play while newcomer Chris Leak and Adrian McPherson could also see some game action.

Berry said he’s glad his players will be tested by Calvillo, who’s entering his 15th season.

“I think the better the competition you go against, the better read you get of your own personnel,” he said.

Berry plans to play a Canadian somewhere in the defensive secondary, and also has to find another receiver to round out a five pack that includes Milt Stegall, Terrence Edwards, Derick Armstrong and Arjei Franklin.

Stegall will miss his second preseason game as he recovers from arthroscropic surgery he had on his left knee May 2.

Stegall recently started jogging, but hasn’t taken part in practices. Stegall became the CFL’s all-time touchdown leader (144) last season and is 197 yards away from breaking Allen Pitts’ career receiving yards record of 14,891.

“Exactly when I’ll be back, we’re not for sure yet,” said Stegall.

NOTES - The Bombers will pay tribute to former linebacker Tyrone Jones prior to Thursday’s game with a moment of silence. Jones died of brain cancer earlier this week … The Bombers had sold 19,023 season tickets as of Wednesday, their highest total in more than a decade.