Central Coast Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna confirmed short term signing Mark Bosnich will not start in Saturday night’s round two A-League blockbuster against Sydney FC.
Central Coast Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna confirmed short term signing Mark Bosnich will not start in Saturday night’s round two A-League blockbuster against Sydney FC.
Bosnich was considered a big chance to start in the clash at Gosford’s Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, after signing a seven-game contract earlier this week.
But, McKinna confirmed the former Manchester United, Chelsea and Australian shot-stopper was only ‘a chance’ to come off the bench in the second half.
Danny Vukovic will start in goals in what will be his final match before a five-game suspension kicks in for striking referee Mark Shield in last season’s grand final loss against Newcastle.
“This is Danny’s last game in more then a month and he did well last week so he deserves to start,” McKinna said.
“We’ll see how the game is going but Mark could come off the bench. We’ll make a decision in the second half.”
Meanwhile, talented defender Nigel Boogaard is expected to be selected in the Mariners squad after recovering from a groin injury sustained in the Pre-Season Cup win against Queensland.
Boogaard got through a full session on Thursday.
While there was good news on Boogaard, McKinna said Socceroo midfielder Mile Jedinak (groin) and striker Dylan Macallister (ribs) have been ruled out for this match, although both are expected to be back for round three.
Dean Heffernan is also still battling a leg injury and could be on the sidelines for another month, making it nine months since the defender played his last Hyundai A-League game, ironically against Sydney FC, when the Sky Blues won a classic encounter 5-4 and Heffernan unfortunately broke his leg at the death.
But since then, the Mariners beat Sydney in a Pre-Season Cup showdown at Gosford last month and will head into this encounter full of confidence.
