Central Coast coach Lawrie McKinna is confident goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne will make the most of a rare Hyundai A-League opportunity when Wellington comes to Gosford on Thursday night for some New Year’s Eve fireworks.
With regular shot-stopper Danny Vukovic on national duty, Redmayne will make only his third first team appearance for the Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium.
Redmayne’s promotion is one of several changes to a Mariners side desperate to end a four-game losing streak.
Also missing for the match will be left-sided defender Dean Heffernan, who was a late call-up to Pim Verbeek’s national team after Jason Culina was injured last weekend while fellow defender Nigel Boogaard is also out suspended.
McKinna confirmed veteran Andrew Clark and versatile Pedj Bojic will both play at the back with Nicky Travis likely to start in a reshuffled midfield.
McKinna believes his under-pressure team can perform, with several players keen to cement their places.
For Redmayne, the match provides a wonderful chance to showcase his skills.
“He is a confident young man, he’ll be fine,” McKinna said.
“We think very highly of him. He spent a couple of weeks at Sheffield United (the Mariner sister club in England) and saved a penalty when he came on in his first game.”
“This is a great chance for him to show his talent.”
After a horror run the Mariners are in seventh place and need to turn things around quickly.
“Win this and we are right back in the mix,” McKinna said.
“Lose again and the pressure is on us.”
