Central Coast’s faltering front line has received a huge boost with key striker Matt Simon almost certain to return for Sunday’s Hyundai A-League clash with North Queensland.
Simon missed Central Coast’s disappointing 1-0 defeat against Sydney on Monday.
The Mariners missed his never-say-die attitude and failed to capitalise on some great work in the midfield.
But coach Lawrie McKinna said Simon, who has been battling a niggling hip injury, has trained strongly throughout the week.
Although not in the sparkling form of last campaign, Simon has still been Central Coast’s most likely in front of goal.
So far he has netted three goals to be the team’s leading scorer.
“He got through a full session on Wednesday and came through it OK,” McKinna said.
“Having Matty back gives us a big boost. After losing on Monday we slipped to fifth so this is a big game for us at home.”
Simon is likely to come straight into the starting side with veteran frontman Nik Mrdja possibly making way.
Mrdja rarely threatened against Sydney and also missed a great chance in the second half when he failed to get a shot on target with the goalkeeper strandard.
McKinna also said Adam Kwasnik, who did well when he came on in the second half on Monday, is a chance to start up front.
Meanwhile, McKinna has some decisions to make in midfield with John Hutchinson and Michael McGlinchey both on international duty.
Brad Porter is in the mix along with defensive midfielder Matt Crowell, who could make his Hyundai A-League debut.
