Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Liam Reddy is hoping to make his 150th national league appearance one to remember after having a day to forget last weekend against Perth Glory.
The Roar will tackle capital rival Sydney FC on Sunday, with Reddy notching up his milestone across the Hyundai A-League and old NSL competitions.
Brisbane’s first-choice custodian was the subject of increased scrutiny in the local press this week after letting in four goals against the Glory last weekend though, two of them in particularly unspectacular fashion.
But Reddy eventually received the backing of coach Frank Farina – who admitted he was considering promoting deputy gloveman Griffin McMaster – and will start against the Sky Blues.
Reddy, always a man that exudes confidence, was looking forward to turning the corner and shutting down an in-form Sydney side that has a share of top spot on the ladder.
“You have just got to be able to get over things quickly and look forward to the next week,” Reddy said.
“(Farina was supportive), and so are the players. I definitely made a mistake on the weekend and I put my hand up to the boys.”
“It wasn’t the best game… but we’ve got a big game this week and we can’t be thinking about last weekend.”
“This week is very important, because we want to get three points, and get three points closer to Sydney who are on top.”
Farina – who will be coaching his 150th game at national league level – was adamant he would not axe players after one poor performance.
“I think it’s been brought up that I was looking at it, but Liam Reddy will play.” Farina said.
“I’ve never been a coach that will crucify someone on one game – and he’ll get his opportunity to bounce back.”
“He made a couple of mistakes. He knows that, we’ve spoken about it, but he will start and we’ll see what happens from there.”
The only change to the starting lineup that was downed 4-2 by Perth will be the return of veteran midfielder Danny Tiatto.
Tiatto will slot into Brisbane’s engine room after missing one match due to a groin injury, with Scottish utility Bob Malcolm returning to the centre of defence alongside Craig Moore.
Reddy was upbeat about the earlier than expected return of Tiatto.
“Danny brings so much to our team. He’s a very confident player and he makes everyone around him play that little bit better,” he said.
“It’s great to have Danny back, he’s a very good team player.”
The Roar, currently battling a player shortage after suffering an injury crisis and losing three players to the Under-20 World Cup, received some respite on Friday.
Former Australian Under-17 representative Mario Karlovic, who three years ago was on the books of Italian Serie A club Torino, was signed on a short-term contract as cover for injured midfielder Massimo Murdocca.
Furthermore Andrew Packer (adductor) will be available for selection next week, while Matt McKay (knee) made a brief appearance at training.
