Iain Fyfe has played his last game for Adelaide United, the central defender ruled out of the Reds’ crucial clash with Central Coast Mariners at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday.
Fyfe was due to farewell Adelaide in the game against the Mariners after signing with K-League club Busan I’Park but a hamstring complaint means the defender’s contribution to United’s 8-1 demolition of North Queensland Fury last week was his last.
Reds coach Rini Coolen admitted it wasn’t worth risking Fyfe in the starting XI and having to replace him early in the game if the injury flared up, especially given the nature of the contest.
The Mariners are a point ahead of United in second spot but a win for the Reds will see them leapfrog Central Coast into that position and lead by two points.
Robert Cornthwaite will slot straight into the heart of defence to partner Nigel Boogaard in Fyfe’s absence, with Coolen opting for the same squad that thrashed the Fury.
“Fyfey stopped training yesterday, so he’s not fit for tomorrow,” said Coolen.
“He had some problems with his hamstring, it might not be a big problem but it is something we have to find out.”
“It’s also a little risk, so it’s not worth taking the risk and finding out it’s not good enough. We spoke together and both took the decision.”
“Everything stays the same, the same system the same players as last week. Only Robbie comes in for Fyfey.”
The Reds new signing, Croatian defender Dario Bodrusic, will be given a couple more training sessions before making his debut while Osama Malik and Andy Slory are also still sidelined and yet to make their first starts.
Coolen admitted United’s last hit out against the Mariners – a 2-0 loss in Gosford on Boxing Day – was a poor game but said the Reds form since then has pleased the coach and given him plenty of confidence heading in the all-important match.
“Both teams didn’t play at a high level in that game,” he said.
“What gave me more confidence is after that game we played a lot of real good games against Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne Victory and our last home game against the Fury.”
“I think we are more ready for the game tomorrow than the game a couple of weeks ago.”
Ex-Mariner, Boogaard admitted he is hoping to avenge the Boxing Day defeat where he was ‘humiliated’ in front of his family and friends.
The defender doesn’t believe he will receive extra attention from his former team-mates but said he is looking forward to a meeting with old room-mate, striker Matt Simon.
“I don’t think I’ve got a target on my back to be honest,” he said.
“I enjoy playing the Coast, I’m obviously disappointed with our Boxing Day result, 2-0 up there. I had a lot of friends and family up at that game and to be honest I felt a little bit humiliated.”
“There’s a little bit of banter, I’ve got some good mates back there, but nothing too serious. I used to room with Matt Simon and I’ll be likely to give him a few tomorrow but there’s always handshakes at the end of the game.”
