Central Coast coach Lawrie McKinna said he would not take any risks with key midfielder Michael McGlinchey ahead of Saturday night’s A-League showdown against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
The New Zealand international was replaced at half-time in last week’s draw against Adelaide after suffering an ankle injury.
The former Celtic player did not train with the Mariners early in the week and has been undergoing constant treatment.
While happy with the progress of McGlinchey’s injury, McKinna said he would only play the creative midfielder if he was 100-percent fit.
A decision is not likely to be made until Friday.
If McGlinchey does not play McKinna is likely to give Nicky Travis a starting berth.
Travis replaced McGlinchey at half-time last week and did a solid job in the second half.
“It’ll be a last minute decision with McGlinchey,” said McKinna, who guided the Mariners to a shock 2-0 victory against Melbourne when the teams met in round one.
“We-re reasonably happy with how he-s progressing but we won’t be risking him.”
“`If he-s not fully fit he won’t play.”
There is plenty resting on McKinna’s decision with McGlinchey due to play in one of the biggest games in New Zealand history next weekend.
The Kiwis face off against Bahrain in a World Cup qualifier in New Zealand.
A positive result would see New Zealand join Australia in next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
“We-ll consider New Zealand but we’ve got a game to win in Melbourne, that-s the priority,” McKinna said.
