Uncompromising Melbourne skipper Kevin Muscat looks set to take his place in Victory’s starting XI for the opening-round blockbuster against Sydney.
Uncompromising Melbourne skipper Kevin Muscat looks set to take his place in Victory’s starting XI for the opening-round blockbuster against Sydney.
Muscat has shaken a nagging hamstring injury and took part in Victory’s solid match simulation training session on Wednesday morning.
While Muscat is expected to front, Nick Ward has not overcome a calf complaint and will miss Round 1.
Two of Melbourne’s players on Olympic duty, Leigh Broxham and Billy Celeski, will fly into Sydney and play for Victory if Australia’s campaign ends on Wednesday night in Beijing.
Muscat, who missed the club’s Pre-Season Cup triumph, must wait and see how his troublesome leg pulls up from practice before he gets the green light.
Muscat said he would not play 90 minutes if he was passed fit to play.
“When it first happened the program was to be fit for Round 1,” Muscat said.
“I was a little bit tempted because we made the (Pre-Season Cup) final but I was quickly put back in my box by the medical staff.”
“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling fresh.”
“At this point in time I have completed the last three sessions so I’ll definitely put my hand up for selection and I’m optimistic about playing.”
Victory will train on Thursday and again on Friday morning before flying to Sydney to take on the league’s glamour outfit on Saturday night.
Muscat said he was approaching this season with the knowledge the curtain was closing on his notable career.
“Who knows how many seasons I have got left in me? I look upon this one like every other one; treat it as your last one,” he said.
“I’m really optimistic. I’m really excited about the new boys we’ve got.”
“All the younger boys are 12 months older and a lot more experienced through the ACL (Asian Champions League).”
He said a flying start to the season was critical to the Victorian club’s title hopes.
“Last season we drew five out of seven and the season before we won seven out of seven,” Muscat said.
“It’s paramount that we start well. It’s not that easy because every other team will be saying exactly the same thing.”
If he makes it onto the park this weekend, the combative captain is keen to dull the hype surrounding John Kosmina’s side.
“By all accounts Sydney has won the competition already so the rest of us are playing for second place,” he quipped.
