Paul O’Grady and Greg Owens have been included in an extended Central Coast Mariners squad for Friday night’s Hyundai A-League blockbuster against Melbourne.
O’Grady has been in and out of the Mariners squad so far this campaign, while Owens, who has battled career threatening injuries during his time on the coast, is on the verge of making his first top grade appearance of the season in Melbourne.
Owens was one of the club’s key signings last season but has been unable to cement a place in the team due to serious injury.
After easing his way back to fitness in the pre-season, he has showed glimpses of his best form in the National Youth League, scoring several goals for the Mariners.
Coach Lawrie McKinna is still to finalise his side following a hip injury to Gold Coast-bound utility Matthew Osman, who has been ruled out.
O’Grady and Owens, who are both out of contract at the end of the season, are in contention for a game, possibly off the bench.
McKinna will not make a decision until the team trains in Melbourne.
“I’m still not sure which way we’ll go,” he said.
“After losing at home last week this is a massive game for us. We always go down to Melbourne confident of getting a result and this week will be no different.”
“Our defence across the park last week wasn’t great so we’ve done a lot of work on that at training this week. The boys are pretty pumped up for this one.”
