Adelaide United has named Robbie Cornthwaite in its preliminary 16-man squad to play Melbourne Victory at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday but coach Aurelio Vidmar says there’s no guarantee the defender will actually play.
Cornthwaite has missed the past two games through a club-imposed suspension after he was involved in a nightclub incident with a bouncer late last month.
Vidmar said he had a selection ‘headache’ after the Reds beat the Mariners and his stance hasn’t changed in the past week.
“(He’s available to play) – whether he does or not is another question,” Vidmar said.
While Vidmar was cagey, there is spot in defence for Cornthwaite with Michael Marrone out for a month with a knee injury.
Midfielder Paul Reid will spend a similar amount of time on the sidelines with a quad injury and will be replaced by Kristian Sarkies.
Vidmar said the steady Reid is a hard man to replace.
“It’s not easy to do. Unfortunately he’s having a rough time at the moment, Reidy, but we will more than likely bring Sarkies into the squad and hopefully he can get some game time as well,” he said.
Brazilian Alemao, who had his nose broken against the Mariners, is also likely to play but will be assessed closely by the club.
“You can’t do any more damage to a broken nose so he’s going to go have surgery in the next couple of weeks, because that’s what he wants to do, so he’ll just have to put up with pain,” Vidmar said.
Meanwhile left back Scott Jamieson said he’d like to see his team-mate and good friend Cornthwaite get an immediate recall.
“It’s not up to me but I think if you look at the performances this year he’s been probably been one of the best players for the team,” Jamieson said.
“It’s not my decision but whoever does play it’s going to be a massive match for them. If Cornie does play that’s fantastic and he’ll do well.”
Jamieson said Cornthwaite had coped well with his suspension and was ‘hungry’ for another chance to play.
“He’s just the same bloke and nothing has fazed him. Whatever has happened in the past has happened and he’s moved on from it,” he said.
“Full credit to him, he’s showed a lot of character and mental toughness and for me I’ve looked up to him because he’s gone through a bit of stuff and he’s the same person working harder than ever.”
“He’s dying to play and I’m sure if he gets the chance he’ll take it.”
