North Queensland Fury will be looking to get even when they take on the Newcastle Jets on Tuesday night after being defeated 3–1 by the Jets at home on the weekend.
With their finals hopes all but gone, North Queensland Assistant Coach Stuart McLaren said they have pride to play for when they take on the Jets in a match that was supposed to be played back in October but was abandoned due to terrible pitch conditions at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
“Because the goal of top six is out of reach we’re always playing for pride and our pride was dented quite severely on Saturday so we need to make sure we turn out and put in a solid performance all round and hopefully that is solid enough that we will get a result,” he said.
With their looking to the future approach adopted for the rest of the season, McLaren said there would again be a number of changes to the squad including star striker David Williams and defender Lorenzo Sipi out.
“We thought we would do David a favour and just leave him out and he can get a bit of a rest and treatment on that but I fully expect to feature against the Gold Coast,” he said.
McLaren said Sipi, who put in a solid performance off the bench against the Jets last weekend would get another chance, possibly against Gold Coast United on Friday.
“He will get another chance or two during the season. Perhaps when we go to the Gold Coast there could be an opportunity for him there,” he said.
McLaren said the absence of Williams could be filled by a number of players who can score goals.
“Jason Spagnuolo, Adam Casey and even Chris Grossman and can play in an attacking role… They’ve got an opportunity to come in, show us what they are made of and push for a contract next season,” he said.
After conceding three goals on his debut, McLaren said whether or not Sebastian Usai would get a second chance would be decided later today.
Regardless of who makes up the team that will take on the Jets, McLaren said their motivation to get the win in the game that should have been played in October would not change.
“There are a couple of points of motivation, the two defeats are first and foremost,” McLaren said.
“That was one of the more unsavoury moments throughout of the season. We think we it was avoidable. That happened a while ago and we’ve kind of moved on. In the back of the player’s minds I’m sure they will use that for a bit of motivation.”
