Adelaide United manager Michael Valkanis has confirmed Cam Watson will replace suspended defensive midfielder Jon McKain against Brisbane Roar.
Adelaide United manager Michael Valkanis has confirmed Cam Watson will replace suspended defensive midfielder Jon McKain against Brisbane Roar.
McKain was sent off against the Wellington Phoenix last week for two bookable offences and leaves a big hole in Adelaide’s line-up, with the 30-year-old having started every game for the Reds since Valkanis took over as manager a month ago.
But Valkanis, who also revealed on Friday that Portuguese winger Fabio Ferreira is on track to play next week, has already decided Watson will replace McKain in Saturday’s game against Brisbane.
“Cam Watson is one that has done that role (defensive midfield) previously and this is an opportunity for him to play some good football and to organise us when we don’t have the ball as well,” Valkanis said.
Valkanis has hinted Iain Fyfe, who was suspended against the Phoenix, will not return to the starting line-up against the Roar, while Argentine striker Jeronimo Neumann could start after missing last week’s game in Wellington due to illness.
But in big news for Reds fans, Valkanis has claimed Ferreira will be up for selection for Adelaide’s trip to play the Melbourne Heart on March 11.
Ferreira was key to Adelaide’s great start to the season when they won eight of 11 games but has missed the past 12 matches because of concerns he was developing osteitis pubis.
“Ferreira will be in the frame of things next week,” Valkanis said.
“He needs a full week (of training) under his belt.
“He’s been out of action for a long time and we’ll be looking that he joins in fully next week and hopefully makes himself available for next week’s game.”
