Key Central Coast playmaker Michael McGlinchey said his chances of returning from injury in the Mariners’ clash with Brisbane at Gosford on Saturday night were ‘pretty good’.
McGlinchey missed the Mariners’ last-start 3-0 defeat against Melbourne with an ankle injury and has been hampered at training this week.
But the Kiwi international is desperate to play in one of Central Coast’s most important matches of the season at Bluetongue Stadium.
After successive defeats, the Mariners are in fifth place and need three points at home to take the pressure off.
McGlinchey’s possible return comes at the ideal time for the Mariners with defender Dean Heffernan and midfielder John Hutchinson both suspended for the clash against the desperate Roar.
“It’s getting there,” McGlinchey said of his injury.
“I feel pretty comfortable now, hopefully by Saturday night I’ll be right to go.”
“I’m very keen to play, it’s horrible watching from the stands.”
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna will give McGlinchey every chance to play, especially with two of his key men already on the sidelines.
“We’ll have a good look at him on Friday before deciding,” McKinna said.
“Before training on Tuesday I thought he was no chance. But he’s improved a lot so hopefully he’ll be OK to play.”
Meanwhile, defender Chris Doig is close to a return to action after battling a thigh injury for several weeks.
He is an outside chance of returning in the club’s National Youth League team against Sydney next week.
Meanwhile, Hutchison has agreed to a new three-year deal with the club that will see him remain a Mariner until the end of the 2012/13 season.
“It’s a good time in my career to get a three-year deal,” said Hutchinson.
“Hopefully I can settle down and play football for the Mariners, hopefully for the next five years.”
“We’re settled here, it’s a beautiful area, the football club is progressing, and hopefully it can become the biggest club in the A-League.”
Hutchison has played 94 matches for Central Coast and has 13 goals to his credit.
