Talented youngster Matthew Lewis has been called into the Central Coast squad for Tuesday’s must-win Asian Champions League match against the Pohang Steelers in Korea.
Lewis was a stand-out performer for the Mariners during the first season of the National Youth League.
The attacking midfielder made his Hyundai A-League debut in the final preliminary round but has played no part in the club’s four Asian Champions League matches.
He was called into the squad with Matthew Osman and Nigel Boogaard both suspended for the match against the Steelers.
“Matty did really well in the youth team and deserves a chance on Tuesday,” Mariners cooach Lawrie McKinna said.
“We’ve got a few boys out so he’ll come into the squad. He has been doing very well in training.”
Lewis is not expected to start but his willingness to take on defenders could be vital if the Mariners are chasing goals in the second half.
With Boogaard out of central defence McKinna has some tough decisions to make about the make up of his defence.
Captain Alex Wilkinson will remain in central defence with Pedj Bojic likely to partner the skipper. Brad Porter came off the bench in the club’s last match but is a big chance of starting on Tuesday.
McKinna may not finalise his team until Monday for the match that the Mariners must win to keep alive their hopes of reaching the competition’s knockout stages.
