Shane Smeltz may be the front runner to win the Golden Boot award for the 2008-09 Hyundai A-League season, but Queensland Roar skipper Craig Moore has vowed he will not give the star striker any special attention this weekend.
Queensland tackles the Wellington Phoenix on Sunday night at Suncorp Stadium in a crucial A-League fixture, where a win could see the Roar grab top position on the ladder.
One of the biggest barriers to the Brisbane-based side taking the three points will be Smeltz, who has been in fantastic touch this season, striking a league-best 10 goals.
Moore recognises Smeltz is a prodigious talent, but said he would be keeping a careful eye on all of the visitors.
“Smeltz is not my only concern,” Moore said.
“He’s probably their main threat, but I don’t think you can give anyone, from any team or at any stage, too much attention, because there are other players that can pop up and score goals.”
“So it’s just important that we’re switched-on all over the park, I believe if we can do that, we’re confident, I think we can win the game.”
Wellington are knocking on the door of the top four after last week’s win over the Central Coast Mariners and Moore identified they were one of the form teams of the competition.
“The likes of Wellington and Perth, they got off to slow starts, but all of a sudden they are the teams that, along with us to be honest, have hit form,” he said.
“I know we’re going into the latter stages of the season, so it’s important that we continue our momentum and hopefully climb up the ladder.”
The Roar will be without Danny Tiatto and while Moore acknowledged losing the veteran midfielder was a big blow, he backed his team-mates to step up.
“I’ve said numerous times throughout the season, Teets is a very influential player for us, he’s very important for the team, unfortunately he’s suspended,” he said.
“So that is when you need good depth in the squad, it’s an opportunity for another player to come in and do well.”
