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Queensland Roar Not At Full Strenght
Wednesday December 13th, 2006
BIG defender Sasa Ognenovski is a definite non-starter and Spase Dilevski is still under an injury cloud as Queensland Roar Coach Frank Farina tries to prepare his troops for the trip to Gosford on Saturday night.
Ognenovski and Dilevski both missed last week's loss to Newcastle and although Ognenovski was expected to miss out again this week with his ankle sprain, it was hoped that Dilevski would be fit enough to make the trip.
With midfielder Dilevski still troubled with heavy bruising on his heel the decision on whether he will travel to Gosford will be delayed until the last minute according to Farina.
"Sasa is definitely out but Spase is still a chance. He did some light running yesterday just in training shoes so we'll see how he is in the next couple of days, but you'd have to say he's rated as doubtful at this stage," said the Roar Coach.
The loss of Dilevski for the second consecutive week would be a blow to Farina who could do with as many midfielders on deck as possible as his side looks to snuff out threats from Lawrie McKinna's side.
Farina said: "It's very important to have the midfield working well; that's the truth of the matter. The Mariners haven't conceded a goal in four games and you have to control matches through the midfield. They're doing extremely well and we know it will be tough, so not only do we have to do well in midfield, but we have to stop conceding goals as well.
"I'm expecting a much better performance against the Mariners and it's basically do-or-die for us. It's a game we can't afford to lose and if we get something out of it then we're still alive.
"We have a strategy worked out for Saturday night to try and improve on some of the problems we encountered last week. We have to keep the ball more and we've worked on that in training, so hopefully we can implement it at the game in Gosford. We have to be more effective when we have possession as well. There's no point playing pretty football if you don't win the match."
With speculation mounting that some players are playing for another contract next season, the Roar boss was quick to quash any suggestions that recent performances would have an impact on who is retained for the 07/08 campaign.
"Not at all. You don't judge a player on just one or two games and everyone is going to have a bad match occasionally. The Newcastle game won't have any bearing on whether certain players keep their contracts or other players get renewals," said Farina.
Queensland Roar FC Media Information
Wednesday 13th December 2006
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