Brisbane Roar coach Frank Farina will cast his eye over a number of trial players over the next two weeks in an attempt to find some players to cover his severely depleted squad.
Already struggling with injuries to several key players, the Roar have lost Luke DeVere, Mitch Nichols and Tommy Oar to international duty for next week’s Under 20 World Cup in Egypt.
“When you look at the team that played in the preliminary final last year, seven of that 11 are missing, so it’s pretty thin,” Farina said.
“We’ve still got a little bit of depth but we certainly have to bring some players in.”
Farina is hoping to get the all-clear to sign cover for the Qantas Young Socceroos as well as long-term injured players Massimo Murdocca and Matt McKay.
“We have to confirm that first but hopefully we-ll be able to bring some players in as cover,” he said.
“They’ll have a week or two weeks to show whether they can step up to this level. We’ve got to cast the net to see if players are available and if they’re up to the standard.”
Despite all the setbacks, the Roar find themselves in third position after a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Newcastle last week.
“That’s the test of a good team,” he said. “I think where we’re sitting at the moment is indicative that we’re a good squad.”
“Everyone says it’s a poor start, but we haven’t lost in five games. We lost the first game and now we’ve drawn three and won two.”
“We’re sitting third, albeit by a point and we’re in the mix. When you consider all the issues and problems that we’ve had, I’ll take it.”
In better news for the club, the groin injury suffered by veteran Danny Tiatto in last week’s match might only sideline him for Sunday’s home match against Perth.
Brisbane is hopeful that the experienced midfielder will be available for the Round 8 match against Sydney.
