Powerful Central Coast recruit John Sutton will almost certainly make his Hyundai A-League debut as the Mariners battle to avoid a hat-trick of defeats when Wellington Phoenix visit Gosford on Saturday night.
Powerful Central Coast recruit John Sutton will almost certainly make his Hyundai A-League debut as the Mariners battle to avoid a hat-trick of defeats when Wellington Phoenix visit Gosford on Saturday night.
Sutton arrived on the coast on loan from Scottish Premier League club Hearts last week but his final clearance did not come through in time for him to play in the club-s 2-1 defeat against Melbourne Victory.
All the necessary paperwork has now been completed meaning the big striker can be unleashed on the Phoenix defence at Bluetongue Stadium.
Sutton has looked sharp at training since his arrival from Scotland and is desperate to start in what is shaping as a crucial contest for both clubs.
Mariners assistant coach Phil Moss said a final decision on Sutton-s role in Saturday night-s game would be left until the last minute.
“We still haven’t finalised the starting side but he will be in the squad for Saturday night,” Moss said.
“He has trained well and is keen to play.”
After back-to-back defeats against Brisbane and Victory, the Mariners need to return to winning ways against Wellington.
They are still five points clear on top of the A-League ladder, but another loss would give the chasing pack huge confidence heading into the final weeks of the season.
While disappointed with the loss against Victory last week Moss and head coach Graham Arnold were happy with most aspects of the performance.
Both are after a more clinical performance in front of goal and Sutton’s inclusion is sure to boost the team in the attacking third.
Meanwhile, Moss also confirmed that in-form defender Pedj Bojic was a good chance to return from injury.
Striker Troy Hearfield is also a chance to be included in the squad after missing last week’s defeat.
