If anyone can, Karacan can says Mariners’ boss Alen Stajcic

Central Coast Mariners caretaker-boss Alen Stajcic hopes the return of key midfielder Jem Karacan can help spark a famous win for his side against Melbourne Victory this weekend.

The 30-year-old former Reading and Bolton Wanderers player sat out last week’s 3-0 defeat at home to Perth Glory through suspension, and his drive and determination in the middle of the park was sorely missed.

MATCH PREVIEW: Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners
READ: Brisbane Roar are in our sights, says Mariners’ skipper Matt Simon 

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“Jem’s a professional, he’s been around for such a long time,” Stajcic said.

“To be captain of an English Premier League team you know the value and experience he can bring back into the team.

“Apart from playing ability and quality, he brings a leadership role that we desperately need.”

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That leadership role will certainly be called upon for the visit to AAMI Park, with Victory still pursuing a second-place finish in the Hyundai A-League.

Boss Stajcic is hopeful that the Melbourne club’s hectic schedule over the past seven days may play into Mariners’ hands as they bid to overhaul Brisbane Roar at the foot of the ladder.

“Victory are probably the best team in the competition on paper,” Stajcic said. “They are star-studded throughout the whole squad, there’s so much depth.

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5997715623001

“They’ve had a tough week. Two good games, a Champions League game and a bit of travel, but just [with] the depth of their squad I’m sure they’ll still be in good nick.

“They’ve got a lot to play for heading into the Finals, and the last three games of their Champions League as well.

“We’re still within touching distance of Brisbane, so avoiding that wooden spoon is still a good motivation for the team. We’ve got a lot of drive to still keep competing to the end of the year.

“We want to try to avoid the wooden spoon if we can this year, and for us that means at least winning two of the next three.”

Melbourne Victory host Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park on Sunday, kick-off 5pm AEST. 

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