North Queensland Fury have been boosted by the return of their captain Ufuk Talay and attacking weapon Chris Payne for Wednesday night’s must-win clash against Sydney FC at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
Talay will return from his one-match suspension, Chris Payne from a hamstring injury and Gareth Edds passed a fitness test on Tuesday night.
The Fury are still not without injuries though with Andre Killian out for two weeks after injuring his ankle midway through the second half against Adelaide last week and Chris Grossman, Erik Akoto and Adam Casey still out with injuries.
North Queensland will also most likely be boosted with coach Franz Straka almost recovered from a virus that didn’t allow him to travel to Adelaide last week.
Assistant coach Stuart McLaren said he believed Straka would be well enough to take his spot on the coaching bench.
“I believe Franz will be coaching. I know he’s taken a little bit longer to get over the virus than he planned,” McLaren said.
“I think it would take a hell of a lot more to stop him from taking his place in the dugout but look if he doesn’t manage it I’m only too happy to take on the reigns for the game.”
McLaren confirmed the importance of beating Sydney FC.
“It is from the league point of view and it is I think in the terms of the boy’s reputation,” he said.
“The boys put that at risk with their first half showing against Adelaide.”
“We need to bounce back and get that reputation back as a team that irrespective of the circumstances works hard, sticks together and fights for the cause. In terms of the finals, these four games are crucial. It’s a bit of a final for us.
