Striker Nik Mrdja will start against his hometown club when the Central Coast Mariners battle Perth at Gosford on Wednesday night.
Mrdja has been named to start alongside veteran poacher Sasho Petrovski for the match at Bluetongue Stadium.
The former Perth Glory frontman scored two goals and was the best player on the field when the Mariners National Youth League team had a last-start win over Newcastle.
So far this season Mrdja has come off the bench in the Hyundai A-League, netting one goal against Sydney.
But Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna is confident Mrdja can make an impact against Perth.
“He was great in the Youth League last week and is working hard at training,” McKinna said.
“Getting 90 minutes last week will do him the world of good. This is a big game for us so we need both our strikers in form.”
Mrdja has been given a rare start with regular strikers Dylan Macallister and Matt Simon both suspended.
It is a crucial match for the Mariners. There were good signs in the second half in last week’s win over Newcastle but the team needs to back that effort up with another three points.
“It’s a game we need to win, especially at home in front of a big crowd,” McKinna said.
