01-09-2007, 12:38 AM
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Murdocca on verge of return
Tuesday, 9 January, 2007 - 11:52AM
Spase Dilevski, Massimo Murdocca (middle) and Matthew McKay
Spase Dilevski, Massimo Murdocca (middle) and Matthew McKay
Queensland midfielder Massimo Murdocca is due to make an earlier than expected comeback and could feature in this Friday night's crucial Hyundai A-League match against Melbourne Victory at the Telstra Dome.
Murdocca, who suffered a serious foot injury in early October and was not expected to return to the side until late January, indicated he had been making steady progress, had been training with the squad, was in good touch and on the verge of making his return.
"I got through training with the boys and full-on training with the ball and everything was fine so there's no reason why I can't be on the bench this week," Murdocca said.
"I got back on the ball this week and I felt like I'd never left; in that respect I think I was very lucky that I haven't appeared to lose my touch or anything. My passing and that is quite good and I'm confident in the way I've been training."
"Starting in the team is probably not a possibility at the moment because my match fitness is not 10 per cent but it's definitely good enough for at least 30 minutes or so, which is good."
"At the end of the day it's up to Frank – there are a lot of factors that have to be taken into consideration and it's not just my decision."
Farina said he would consider the midfielder for this week's game but he needed to prove his inclusion just like every other member of the squad.
"If Massimo trains fully, is completely fit and gets the 100 per cent clearance from the medical staff, he'll be in contention with everyone else," said Farina.
"As it stands they have pretty much indicated to me that this is the case; he trained with us last week and I expect he'll train again all this week and be available for selection."
"I presume he'll be fully fit this week which is a good thing and to have everyone to choose from is always very good for a coach."
Farina said the 22-year-old would be 'rusty' but his inclusion would bring a much-needed stroke of effervescence to the squad as it battles for inclusion in this season's finals campaign.
"If he comes in we'll be looking for him to bring enthusiasm and experience," Farina said. "He was playing very well at the beginning of the season and it's unfortunate that he got the injury."
"He's missed a lot of game time so that's the only thing he'll most probably be a bit rusty with along with maybe a bit of confidence with the injury in terms of going in for tackles and things like that."
"But as I said, if he gets through all the training and we can simulate game situations as much as possible, he'll be considered."
Queensland is currently in fifth place on the Hyundai A-League ladder with 25 points, one behind Newcastle, and probably needs to win its final two matches to qualify for the finals.
| Credit - A-League.com.au |
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