Brisbane midfielder Massimo Murdocca is ready to make his long-awaited return to the Hyundai A-League this weekend when the Roar take on Adelaide at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Murdocca, who has yet to feature this season due to a broken ankle, has played the last three matches in the National Youth League and is hopeful of gaining a place on the bench this weekend.
“To say I’m dying to get out there is an understatement,” he said.
“I think it’s time to step up and try to go that next level now. I’ve played three games in the youth now and feel comfortable with the ankle.”
“The match fitness has still got to get there but I think I’ll benefit more from the A-League games.”
“If I can get some time off the bench, hopefully starting this week – that’s up to (coach) Ange (Postecoglou) I guess – I’ll be putting my hand up for sure.”
Postecoglou said Murdocca’s return to the senior side would provide a ‘massive boost’ as the Roar look to force their way back into the top six.
“He definitely brings a buzz to the team,” he said of Murdocca.
“When you’ve got a player like that in your team it just allows other players to focus on the attacking aspects of the game. It’d be great to have him back.”
Striker Sergio van Dijk and defender Luke DeVere are expected to be available after overcoming minor knock’s in last week’s draw with Perth, but young gun Tommy Oar remains only a 50-50 chance after rolling his ankle against the Glory.
